She laughed nervously to herself. How foolish she was! Why should Dr. Zacharie watch the house? She was surely mistaken. No doubt it was some stranger sheltering from the rain. If she kept seeing things like that she would soon make herself ill. With a forced effort at gaiety she essayed to throw off her melancholy by humming a song, but soon stopped, unable to continue. Sitting down at the piano, her fingers had just touched the keys when all at once there was a knock at the door. Paula rose and opened. It was Mrs. Parkes. "You're wanted at the telephone, my dear," said the landlady. "Who is it?" demanded Paula. "Mr. Chase." Paula hesitated. "Mr. Chase--I--I can't go--make some excuse." "Shall I take the message?" asked Mrs. Parkes. Remembering Mr. Ricaby's parting admonition Paula shook her head. "No--I--must not receive any message," she replied. As she spoke she was standing in a position commanding a view of the street. Suddenly she started back in consternation and beckoned to the landlady. "Mrs. Parkes, come here, quick!" Pointing out of the window, she said: "Do you see that man standing on the corner--the one looking up here? I don't want him to see me. Who is it? Tell me." "It's Dr. Zacharie with some stranger," said the landlady, peering out. "Ah, I thought so!" exclaimed the young girl excitedly. "I was sure of it. He seems to be watching, doesn't he--watching the house?" "Yes," said Mrs. Parkes, looking again, "it's the doctor all right, with another gentleman--the gentleman who was here before. Why, there's three of them!" "Three of them!" echoed Paula, dismayed. Fearfully, she looked over Mrs. Parkes' shoulder. "Yes, I see. It's my uncle and Mr. Cooley. They're pointing at this house and whispering together. What can they want?" Frightened, she turned to the landlady: "Mrs. Parkes, don't let anyone into this house to-night, do you hear? What can they be doing?" "They seem to be waiting for someone." "Don't let them see you looking," cried the girl, becoming more and more nervous. "Careful--don't let them see you! This is some new move! They know Mr. Ricaby has gone to Albany. Oh, what can I do?" "Why, what are you afraid of, my dear?" demanded the landlady, surprised. "I don't know," replied the trembling girl, in a frightened whisper, "only--don't let them in, Mrs. Parkes. Whatever you do, don't let them in!" "Why, my dear!" exclaimed the old lady; "what ails you? Whatever is the matter, your hands are as cold as ice--what is it?" "I don't know," gasped the other. "I can't explain even to myself, but I don't want to see that man again--don't leave me, Mrs. Parkes." "But I want to go and give Mr. Chase your message," said the other. "Mr. Chase--oh, yes!" cried Paula. "Tell him I want to see him--tell him to come here at once! I can't be entirely alone. I must see Mr. Chase. Tell him to come at once!"