Madalena strove to make herself believe that the fault was the girl's. But she could not decide. Sometimes she flattered her vanity that Annesley was trying to keep her away from Don. Again, she would wrap herself in black depression as in a pall, believing that the man was seeking an excuse to put her outside the intimacy of his life. Then she burned for revenge upon them both; yet her hands were tied. Her fate seemed to be bound up with the fate of Nelson Smith, and evil which might threaten his career would overwhelm hers also. She spent dark moments in striving to plan some brilliant yet safe _coup_ which would ruin him and Annesley, in case she should find out that he had tired of her. At last, by much concentration, her mind developed an idea which appeared feasible. She saw a thing she might do without compromising herself. But first she must be certain where the blame lay. Constance Annesley-Seton's explanation over the telephone left her little doubt of the truth. She had the self-control to answer quietly; then, when she had hung up the receiver, she let herself go to pieces. She raged up and down the room, swearing in Spanish, tears tracing red stains on her magnolia complexion. She dashed a vase full of flowers on the floor, and felt a fierce thrill as it crashed to pieces. "That is _you_, Michael Donaldson!" she cried. "Like this I will break you! That girl shall curse the hour of your meeting. She shall wish herself back in the house of the old woman where she was a servant! And you can do nothing--nothing to hurt me!" Later that morning, when she had composed herself, Madalena wrote a letter to Lady Annesley-Seton: My Kind Friend,-- I am sorry that I may not be with you for Easter, and sorry for the reason. I can read between the lines! But that does not interest you. Myself, I can do no more for your protection in the unknown danger which threatens; but again I am in one of those psychic moods, when I have glimpses of things beyond the veil. It comes to me that if the Archdeacon friend of your cousin could be asked to join your house party with his wife, and _especially_ with his relative who is so rare a judge of jewels (is not his name Ruthven Smith?) trouble might be prevented. This is vague advice. But I cannot be more definite, because I am saying these things under _guidance_. I am not responsible, nor can I explain why the message is sent. I _feel_ that it is important. But you must not mention that it comes from me. Nelson and his wife would resent that; and the scheme would fall to the ground. Write and tell me what you do. I shall not be easy in my mind until your house party is over. May all go well! Yours gratefully and affectionately, Madalena. P.S.--Better speak of having the Smiths, to Mrs. Nelson, not her husband. He might refuse.