In a very few moments Joliffe appeared, and without so much as casting a glance at Cora, set herself to arouse the stupefied Strong--a feat which was soon accomplished, for the woman had nearly exhausted the effects of her sleeping potion. A moment later, and Madeline appeared upon the threshold. After surveying the scene in silence for an instant, she entered the room, closed the door, and said with a laugh that set Cora's blood boiling: "So you were tired of our society, and fancied that you could outwit me? Undeceive yourself, madame; it is not in your power to escape from my hands, and whatever fate I choose to adjudge you." Then turning to the man, she said: "You have done well, Morris; this kind of work you will find more profitable than well-boring. You may go now." The man bowed respectfully, and silently quitted the room. Then Madeline addressed Joliffe: "You will stay here the remainder of the night. Let Strong sleep; she is not to blame for permitting her charge to escape, and she will be more wary in future." [Illustration: "This is a bad night for ladies to be abroad!"--page 393.] Then turning again to Cora, who had flung herself in a chair and sat gazing from one to the other in sullen silence, she said, with a smile on her lips: "You should not work against your own interests, Mrs. Arthur. Had you succeeded in escaping on the midnight express, who, think you, would have been summoned to meet you on your arrival in the city?" "Doubtless an officer," replied the woman, doggedly. "I might have known you for a sleuth hound who would guard every avenue." "Thanks; you do me honor. I should not have summoned an officer, however; there is some one else waiting anxiously to welcome you there." "Indeed," sarcastically; "who?" "_Old Verage._" Cora started up in her chair. "For God's sake, _what_ are you?" "A witch," said the girl, demurely. "I am as old as the world, and can fly through the air on a broomstick, so don't think to escape me again, step-mamma. I trust you will enjoy your brief repose, for it will soon be morning, and if I don't see your fair face at the breakfast table, I shall not be content." Cora put two fingers to her blistered cheek, saying: "You can't ask me to come down with this face." "True, I can't. Good-night, step-mamma; it would have been better if you had let the doctor pull that tooth." And Miss Payne swept away, leaving the would-be fugitive to her own reflections. CHAPTER XLIII. THE DOCTOR'S WOOING. Mrs. Ralston had become to Olive Girard as one of the family. There was a strange affinity between the two women, who had known so much of sorrow, so many dark, dark days. As yet, however, there was not entire confidence. Mrs. Ralston knew nothing of the movements then on foot to liberate the husband of her hostess; and Olive knew no more of Mrs. Ralston's past than had been communicated by Claire, which was in reality but very little.