"What is the matter with Mr. Edermont?" she asked abruptly. "Why," said Mr. Pallant in a slow and sleepy voice, "I have brought him some good news." "What good news?" "I think Mr. Edermont will inform you himself," said Pallant. And at that moment Edermont, still overwhelmed with joy, came running back. "I am safe--safe!" he shouted; "and after twenty years of dread. No more of the Litany, no more of the--O God!" His joy was too much for him, and he rolled over on the ground in a dead faint, at the very feet of Dora and Pallant. CHAPTER VI. WHAT HAPPENED IN THE NIGHT. And here was another mystery: Dora never learnt the good news which Pallant had brought to Edermont. The little man had fainted with excess of joy, and was carried off to bed by Joad; while Pallant took his leave of Dora, and was escorted by her to the gate. He smiled as she turned the key of the lock. "No need for that now," said he, passing through the gate. "Mr. Edermont can sleep in peace without bolt or bar." "On account of what you have told him to-day?" "Precisely, Miss Carew; on account of what I have told him to-day." Dora looked at his sneering mouth, at his bold blue eyes, and asked a question which had been in her mind since she had seen him from the window. "Were you sent by Lady Burville to tell this news, Mr. Pallant?" "No; I came of my own accord. May I ask what you know of Lady Burville?" "I know nothing," said Dora gloomily. "I wish I did." "Why, Miss Carew?" The girl did not reply. Pallant was a stranger to her, and she did not care to tell him of her belief that the fatal name of Lady Burville had made trouble between herself and Allen. Pallant noticed her hesitation. "I see you do not wish to speak to me openly," he said, sneering, "yet you may be glad to do so some day. Good-day, Miss Carew, and remember my words." His horse was tethered to the wall, and on bidding her farewell he mounted to ride off. From the saddle he looked down at her fair face and smiled. Then he made a strange remark: "I shall give you one last warning, Miss Carew: Beware of Allen Scott!" The girl stared after him in surprise. Was all the world in conspiracy to torture her with hints and mysteries? Joad, Edermont, Allen and Mrs. Tice all knew of something about which they refused to speak. It would seem that Pallant--a complete stranger--was possessed also of the same knowledge. What did he mean by his warning? What had he to do with Allen Scott, or even with Edermont? Dora felt as though she were spied upon by a hundred eyes; as though she were playing a mechanical part in some terrible drama, without knowing plot, or actors, or end. She was ignorant, and therefore helpless.