Percy dividing his attention between his _fiance_ and Miss Payne; studying the latter, and closely watching Davlin and Cora. That last named lady smiling and lounging below stairs, sulking and smoking above, and always under surveillance. Davlin, having assured Cora that he was acting from motives politic, paying open court to Madeline. That young lady calmly acting her part, thoroughly understanding and heartily despising them all. John Arthur alternately raging and sulking, obdurately refusing to accede to his step-daughter's terms, and vowing to escape and wreak vengeance upon every one of them. "Dr. Le Guise," calm as a Summer morning, and taking more real ease and comfort than all the others combined. Hagar watchful and anxious. The two new maids making themselves popular in the kitchen, and "sleeping with their eyes open." * * * * * And still no clue by which Madeline and her efficient _aides de camp_ could unravel the web of doubt that still clung about, and kept a prisoner, the long-suffering Philip Girard. CHAPTER XLII. A STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM. After some days of outward calm, came a ripple upon the surface of events. It had been a dull, cloudy day, with occasional gusts of wind and rain; wind that chilled to the very marrow, and rain that froze as it fell. The three men, Davlin, Percy and the Professor, had been constrained to abandon their customary morning walk, with cigar accompaniment, up and down the terrace. And the well-borers had been obliged to stop their work. Mrs. Arthur had kept her room and her bed all day long, afflicted by a raging toothache. Strong was kept at her side, almost constantly applying hot water, laudanum and various other local applications. As the day advanced, the sufferer seemed growing worse; and when Madeline came in to administer consolation, and see if the woman were really ill, Cora sent for Dr. Le Guise, vowing she would have the tooth out, and every other one in her head, if the pain did not stop. But when the Professor arrived, her courage failed her. She drew back at the sight of the formidable forceps, saying that she would "try and endure it a little longer; it seemed a bit easier just then." All this Madeline noted. Retiring from the room she signaled to Strong to follow her out. "What do you think of her?" questioned Madeline of the latter, as the door closed between them and Cora. Strong looked dubious. "I really don't know what to think, Miss Payne," she said. "If it is shamming, it is the best I ever saw." "True," answered Madeline; "I am at a loss. You had better apply some test, Strong, and--keep all your medicines out of her reach. Don't let her get any laudanum, or anything; and presently report to me. She must not be left alone, however; when I send Joliffe in, do you come to me." Madeline passed on to her own room, and Strong returned to her patient.