But now his looks are not cold; he does not call a servant; but turning swiftly he puts the child in Winnie's arms, and kneels beside Leslie. As he kneels, he notes the presence of a man in sombre attire, and behind him, the peering face of a servant. "Call Mrs. French," he says, chafing the lifeless hands. "Bring restoratives--quick!" And he lifts her tenderly, and carries her to a divan. Then for a time all is confusion. There is talking, laughing, crying; Mrs. French is here, and Millie, and presently every other servant of the household. For a moment, Winnie seems about to drop her clinging burden. Then suddenly her face lights up; she clasps Daisy closer, and drawing near, she watches those who minister to the unconscious one. Leslie revives slowly and looks about her, making a weak effort to rise. "Be quiet," says the stranger in the priestly garments, who has "kept his head" while all the others seem dazed; "be quiet, madam. Let me explain to your friends." As he speaks, Alan stoops over Winnie, and kisses the little one tenderly, but he does not offer to take her from Winnie's clasp. He turns instead and bends over Leslie. "Obey him, Leslie," he says softly. "We will tell you how glad we are by and by." She looks wonderingly into his face, then closes her eyes wearily. "He can tell you," she whispers; "I--I cannot." And then there is silence, while Alan, in compliance with a hint from the seeming Priest, motions the servants out of the room, all but Millie. Daisy has seized her hand and clings to it obstinately. "Let her stay," whispers Winnie. And of course Millie stays. When they have filed out, Alan moves forward, his hand extended to close the door, and then he stops short, his attitude unchanged, and listens. There are voices outside, and approaching feet. He hears the remonstrance of a servant, and an impatient tone of command. And then a man strides into their presence, closely followed by two officers. It is Van Vernet, his eyes flashing, his face triumphant; Van Vernet in _propia personne_, and wearing the dress of a gentleman. He pauses before Alan, and delivers a mocking salute. "Alan Warburton, you are my prisoner!" With a cry of alarm, Leslie lifts herself from the couch. _She_ knows what these words mean. Alan starts as he hears this cry, and moving a pace nearer Vernet, says, in a low tone: "I will go with you, sir; but withdraw yourself and men from this room; I--" [Illustration: "Alan, I have kept my word; I have brought back little Daisy."--page 421.] Something touches his arm. He turns to see Winnie close beside him, her face flushing and paling, her breath coming in quick gasps. "Alan," she whispers, "what does he mean?" Alan takes her quivering hand in his, and tenderly seeks to draw her back. "He means what he says, Winnie. He is an officer of the law." "A prisoner! _you!_ Oh, Alan, why, why?"