“Will you allow me to leave this place for a few minutes? Nay,” she added, quickly, as she saw him hesitate and glance suspiciously at her, “it is only good that I would do. I would liberate one who has mourned in vain for freedom, and if I mistake not, one whom you came to release to-day.” “His name?” eagerly cried the young man. “Robert Ellerton!” she answered. “Yes, lady, yes, you shall be allowed to go wherever you choose; and if you will allow me I will accompany you, for he is the dearest friend I have.” She smiled an assent, and offering her his arm, they proceeded from the room. She led him through several passages and rooms, he gazing with wonder as he went at everything he saw, until at length they stopped before the glass door through which Robert had gazed down upon the six lovely girls. She took a tiny key from her pocket and unlocked the door; leading him within, she asked him to be seated while she went to summon his friend. He took the seat indicated, but said, as she was turning away: “Stay, lady, one moment, and tell me, first, if I am, indeed, too late to prevent that sacrilegious ceremony, as that old villain said?” “You are, indeed!” she said, sadly. “The fatal words were but just spoken as you entered; the shriek you heard was one of despair, that she was too truly the wife of a man whom she detested and loathed.” “I am grieved,” he replied, “for I would have saved Miss Dupont the suffering of being compelled to go through with such a trial. But it will never be recognized as a legal marriage; she is as free as ever, and can choose for herself whom she will marry; and I have not much doubt what that choice will be,” he added, with a smile. Vivien’s fair face glowed with joy, as she replied: “I am rejoiced more than I can express to hear you say this, for my heart has been filled with sorrow at the young lady’s fate, and I dared not tell Mr. Ellerton lest it should drive him to some act of desperation.” “How is it that you are allowed to associate with one who is held so close a prisoner as my friend?” “I am not allowed. He by accident discovered a secret passage leading from his room into this. Since then we have passed many pleasant hours in each other’s society. “He has told me his history, and the reason why he was enticed here. Though he never imagined that his lovely bride was to be brought here to be sacrificed.” The lovely eyes filled with tears of sympathy, while her cheeks were crimson, with the excitement which she had undergone that day. He gazed upon her with profound admiration, and every time the sweet tones fell upon his ear his heart quickened its pulsations, and he felt the blood leap madly in his veins. At last he said, respectfully: “Will you tell me your name, lady? I am grateful for the consolation which I know your society must have been to my deeply tried friend.” Her lips quivered painfully, and the hot blood swept over cheek, neck, and brow, as she replied: