Cursing both of them in his heart, Ralph bent toward Dora, and said in a low, concentrated voice: “Listen! This evening you are to become my wife. Everything is arranged, and at seven o’clock the clergyman will be present to perform the ceremony. Nothing can save you; your fate is sealed.” He had no reason to complain of her want of animation now, for instantly neck, cheek, and brow were flooded with an angry crimson, and with a gesture of intense loathing she cried: “You dare not do this thing! I will defy you at the very altar, and no clergyman will pronounce the banns against my will.” “My darling, you will do no such thing; it would be very improper,” he laughed, lightly, glorying in her proud, brilliant beauty. “Villain, you shall see,” she retorted, snapping her small pearly teeth savagely together. “Shall I, my beautiful one? Very well, I shall come for you a little before the time; and in the meantime some suitable attire shall be provided for you. I would not have my bride disgrace the occasion, for we are to have a ‘gay company’ at our wedding.” “I will die first!” she said, passionately. “You see that lady sitting there—your only friend—your benefactress? Well, the moment you attempt your life, she dies. And should you refuse to be my wife when we come before the clergyman, she will be instantly shot by a concealed foe. I told you truly when I said your fate was sealed. Will you defy me now?” “Oh, merciful Heaven! I am lost—lost!” shrieked the miserable girl, in a heart-rending voice, as she sank back half fainting upon her seat. Madame Alroyd sprang frantically forward, and clasping her convulsively in her arms, cried out: “No, no, my precious darling, it shall not be! You shall not sacrifice your life and happiness for such an old and worthless thing as I. You shall defy him at the very altar.” Then turning with a sort of scornful majesty to Ralph, she added: “You can have my life and welcome, but you must spare this poor stricken child. She shall never be your wife!” “And do you think, madam, she would be allowed to escape me, even if your life were sacrificed? No, I want her, not you. I have sworn that mine she shall be, and nothing can turn me aside from the accomplishment of my oath. So prepare yourselves to carry out gracefully the plan for this evening.” With these heartless words Ralph Moulton turned and disappeared from the room. “Oh, merciful Father! sustain me in this trying hour,” moaned the fainting girl, as she sank unconscious to the floor. For hours she lay in this blessed stupor, and only revived to be arrayed for her bridal. CHAPTER XXVI. ENID CHICHESTER. As Ralph withdrew from the presence of those heart-broken women, and was swiftly passing along the narrow corridor to his own apartment, he ran against a fairy form. She was half enveloped in a cloud of gauzy, spotless lace and dainty ribbons, which she carried in her arms.