It is almost impossible for a naturally open and truthful person to carry out a secret scheme without some confidante. Evereld liked and trusted both these acquaintances, and she yielded to that craving for sympathy, that longing for straightforward speech which was perhaps more natural than strictly prudent. “I could not go to the picnic because I must avoid Mr. Wylie,” she said in a low voice. “My guardian is trying to force me to marry him, and I mean to escape to other friends who will take care of me.” “Did I not tell you how it would be?” said Dick Lewisham. “Yes,” she faltered, “you were quite right; and now there is nothing for me to do but to get away at once.” “Remember,” he said, “that you promised to ask my help if you were in any difficulty.” “Yes,” said Evereld. “Perhaps now you would just take my ticket to Territet.” “Let us all come down to Territet together,” said Miss Upton, “it will be less noticeable than your going quite alone.” Before many minutes were passed the three were gliding down the steep incline, and Evereld grew light hearted to think that the difficult first step had proved so successful. “Are you sure,” said Dick Lewisham, “that you can get to your friends without difficulty?” “Quite sure, thank you,” she said bravely. “We will not ask you a single question beyond that,” he continued, “for the less we know the better. If they put us through any very severe catechism, the utmost we will admit is that you were in the hotel garden before lunch this morning.” “It’s quite a romance,” said little Miss Upton, rubbing her hands with satisfaction, “and as I shall want to have the third volume, please send it over to me at Boston as soon as it’s complete. There’s my card.” “I will be sure to write,” said Evereld, “and thank you so very much for helping me, both last night and this morning, too. I shall never forget you.” They walked a little way beyond the station in the direction of Montreux until they reached a confectioner’s. “I am going in here to get some food for my journey,” said Evereld, “I will wish you good bye;” she gave her hand to each of them, shyly thanked Dick Lewisham for his help, and entered the shop. “End of the second volume,” said Miss Upton with a comical expression on her bright face. “Nothing remains for us, Mr. Lewisham, but to kill time by a row on the lake. Take me to see Chillon; nothing but an old and venerable castle will fill up this awful blank, or rouse my interest.” “Oh, we shall have some good fun to-night or to-morrow morning,” said Dick Lewisham, “Messrs. Wylie and Mactavish wall furnish us with some capital sport. I only hope no harm will happen to that brave little girl.” CHAPTER XXVI “But, by all thy nature’s weakness, Hidden faults and follies known, Be thou, in rebuking evil, Conscious of thine own. “So, when thoughts of evil-doers