“It was best that he should know it, Violet, so that he might be roused to a sense of your danger. Grandpapa is a cruel, violent old man, and almost loses his reason when thwarted in any darling plan. He is determined that Violet shall marry this proud millionaire, and if she continues to defy his commands, I tremble for her very life!” shuddered Amber, acting her part so superbly that no one could doubt that she loved and pitied Violet with real cousinly affection. Ah, Heaven defend the noble heart from insidious foes, who work in the dark--foes, who, in the guise of friendship, smile in the face, with a hidden sword in the hand! Of all enemies these are the most to be feared and scorned. There is something brave at least in open defiance and enmity, but the soul recoils from the foe in ambush, from lying lips and deceitful hearts! She, the beautiful traitress, watched Cecil’s bitter wrath with secret satisfaction, knowing that it would bend him more easily to her plans. “That old man, to dare to strike you, my Violet! It is incredible! But he shall suffer for his villainy. I will challenge him to fight. I--I--will kill him!” raved Cecil, in sudden, deadly anger, his eyes flashing luridly. “Oh, no, no, no, dear Cecil, you must not harm that old man--you shall not! I forgive him freely!” cried Violet in terror. “No, you must not harm him,” added Amber, “you must not wreak revenge on our grandfather; you must simply take measures to remove Violet beyond reach of his fatal anger.” His face paled with despair, and he cried, wretchedly: “Ah, Heaven, what can I do? Judge Camden will not give his consent to our marriage, and as she is his ward still, she could not marry me without.” “But you can elope with Violet,” cried Amber, boldly. There was a start from Cecil, a little shriek from Violet, and Amber continued: “Washington is but an hour’s ride from here, and you could marry Violet there, you know, in defiance of the whole world. I can plan the elopement for you if you will trust to my judgment. In fact, I have been thinking it over some time, for I knew it was the only way to save Violet from Judge Camden’s fury.” Cecil looked at Violet with dark, eager eyes. “Would you be willing, my darling?” he breathed, tenderly. Sweet Violet shrank and trembled. “Oh, I had hoped never to be forced to this!” she murmured. “You know, Amber, how my poor mother brought reproach upon herself by her runaway marriage with my father.” “Yes, I have heard all about it, and I never blamed poor Marie Camden in the least. Her father almost forced her to it, just as he is now forcing you, Violet,” replied Amber, instantly. Cecil took his little love’s hand in his and pressed it warmly, as he murmured: “I have but a poor home to offer you, my darling, in exchange for all the luxury of Golden Willows; but if you will come to me, I will love you more than life.” “Like the Lord of Burleigh,” laughed Amber, repeating: