“‘I don’t doubt it; I can readily understand the reason--you thought your friend Demar was honest, and that his pretended love for your sister was all reality; but wait a while, and see if you don’t change your opinion of him. By the way, here we are--that is the house. We had better turn off to the right, and take up our position back of the building. By standing on the bluff there we can observe what transpires within, for there are several glasses broken out of the rear windows, and this will enable us to get a full view of the interior. Come this way, Wallingford; we’ll hide ourselves behind this tree, where we will be on a level with the second story, and in hearing distance of the room. By the way, there she is now, watching for him; speak very low, else she will hear us; she is remarkably pretty; don’t you think so?’ “‘Yes, but she looks as pale as death, and appears to be very sad.’ “‘Ah, yes, poor lady, I dare say she has cause to be sad; no doubt she has been betrayed by that scoundrel, and is now beginning to realize her situation. See! she is preparing supper for some one.’ “‘Hush, Heartsell, I hear footsteps coming this way--listen, don’t you hear them?’ “‘Yes, and, by the way, that is he, now; stand close behind this tree, or he will see us, for he is coming directly toward us. A plague on the moon! I wish it would get behind that cloud--I fear he will see us. Look! she is coming down to meet him. He is getting over the fence at the corner yonder, and will pass within ten feet of us. Now take a good look at his face as he comes along this way, and tell me who he is.’ “‘That is Ed Demar, beyond all doubt.’ “‘Of course it is; but see, he has stopped, and seems to be watching for some one. Now he is moving this way again. Hark! what noise was that?’ “‘He made it with his cane by tapping on the plank fence. I dare say it was a signal to notify the woman of his arrival, for she is going out to meet him.’ “‘Look, Wallingford, he has taken her in his arms! How does that suit you for a husband for your sister?’ “‘I’ll kill him, if they hang me as high as Haman for it!’ “‘Dear Eddie,’ exclaimed the woman as she threw herself into the man’s arms, ‘what made you stay away so long? I have been lonesome and miserable; I cannot endure this suspense much longer--it is killing me. When will you take me away from this horrible place, darling?’ “‘Within two or three days at farthest, my dear,’ was the reply, as he pressed her again to his heart. “‘What would your sister think of this hypocritical scoundrel if she knew what he was?’ “‘Don’t mention my sister’s name in connection with the double-faced traitor; she shall not be annoyed with him any more, you may depend on that; but hark! he is speaking to her; let us listen.’ “‘Has any one been here to-day, Mollie?’ said the man as he led her into the house.