"Read the letter." Ackworth did so. It contained only a few lines, saying that the writer wanted to meet Mr. Ferdinand Baird at the Shah's Rooms on that evening on particular business. "After last night," wrote the anonymous correspondent, for there was no name appended to the note, "you can scarcely wonder that I insist upon a meeting, and you can guess who I am. Wear a red domino with a white favour, and I will wear a purple domino with golden stars. Meet me at ten o'clock under the Omar Khayyám Palm in The Desert." Anthony read this twice. "I wonder who wrote it?" he said. "Osip," replied Clarice, promptly; "and what's more----excuse me." She hastily left the room, much to the amazement of Anthony. But he had plenty to think about until she returned, which she did almost immediately, with an open letter in her hand. "This is the anonymous note sent to you," said Clarice, handing it to him, and looking over his shoulder. "See, the writings are distinctly similar. It was Osip who tried to stop our marriage by threatening Ferdy, and now Osip, thinking that Ferdy saw him at the Mascot Music Hall last night, wants to arrange a meeting." "And why?" asked Ackworth, recognising that the handwritings were indeed similar. "I can't tell you that, until I see Osip." "Clarice! How can you see Osip this evening? It is now five." "I can catch the seven train up, and I can see him as I saw him last night. He won't tell Clarice Baird anything, but he may tell Ferdy Baird a lot." "Do you want to disguise yourself again?" said Ackworth, looking angry. "I must--I must," she said, eagerly, "if I am to save my brother." "But to go to those rooms--they aren't respectable." "Oh, what does that matter?" said Clarice, impatiently. "I go as a young man--no one will recognise me. And Ferdy stops to-night at Gattlinsands." "But you promised----" "You must release me from my promise," she declared, obstinately. Ackworth bit his lip. "I don't like it," he said, decidedly. "Then you are not the man I took you for," retorted the girl. "I should have thought you were above all this conventional rubbish, Anthony. I am to be your wife, and you must trust me in every way." "I do. I am sure that I have proved my trust in you." "Ah, you did not know what I was about to do," said Clarice, rather unjustly. "And now that you do know, you refuse to trust me." "No, I don't, only I don't wish you to go alone to the Shah's Rooms." "I'll be quite safe. No one will know me." "This Osip is a murderer," said Ackworth, "and he may kill you,----" "Why should he kill me?" she interpolated. "Thinking you are Ferdy Baird who recognised him at the Mascot Music Hall. I dare say that he believes that you have told the police, and now seeks revenge." "I'll risk that." "Clarice, you are a brave girl. But I won't let you go alone. I'll come up with you to-night." "But Ferdy. He must be kept away."