Cora looked at her keenly, but it was no part of Madeline's plan to let her know that she had ever seen Lucian Davlin before that evening. Her face was as calm and inscrutable as the face of the sphinx. "No," said Cora, at length "my brother does not know of it." "I am glad of that," replied Madeline. "But, for fear of any deception, he will be kept under _surveillance_; and if anything is communicated to him I shall surely know it." "Why did you rob me of those papers?" asked Cora, abruptly. "Because," said Madeline, leaning forward, "you and I have a common enemy." "What! not Percy?" "Yes, Percy!" Cora looked amazed. "But--have you known him before?" "I never saw him until he came to Oakley." "I can't see how he has incurred your enmity here." "He has not incurred my enmity here. I hated him before I ever saw him." "Why?" "Because he has wronged a friend who is as dear to me as life." "Oh!" "Don't puzzle your brain over this; you won't be enlightened. It is sufficient for you to know that you can serve me if you choose, because we are both enemies of the same men." Then, rising, "Now choose; will you remain here as my ally, or leave in disgrace, and a prisoner, as my enemy?" Cora reflected, and finally said: "I accept your terms." "Very good; and now for precautions. You must allow me to supply you with a maid." "What?" "You are an invalid; I am well and strong. What could be more natural than that I should desire you to have every care and comfort that I can desire? I shall give you my maid; she will supply the place of Celine Leroque." "I won't have her," cried Cora, angrily. "I won't have a jailer." "Certainly not; you will have my maid, however. I will get another to-morrow." "I won't have her!" "Nonsense." Madeline stepped quickly to the door and opened it. "Strong," she said, softly. Instantly in stepped Strong, who had been just outside awaiting the orders of her mistress. "Strong," said Madeline, "I am going to let you wait upon Mrs. Arthur. She is in delicate health, and needs a maid. You must be _very attentive_, and don't let her get into any draughts. You can sleep in the dressing-room; and if she is not _well cared for_, I shall hold you accountable." Cora looked at the big, robust woman, so appropriately called Strong, and felt that she was indeed a prisoner. Strong bowed in silent submission to the will of her late mistress, and turned her broad visage upon her new one. Madeline moved to leave the room, saying, with a return to her former manner: "Good-night, step-mamma; try and go down to breakfast with me in the morning, won't you?"