"You may wonder at my delay in seeking Geraldine, so I will briefly explain: In the first place, when I found that the actor had abducted her on Christmas evening, I followed on the next train to Chicago. Four weary days I sought her, but all in vain. At length I met Standish one cold snowy evening on an obscure street, and demanded Geraldine at his hands. He assured me with such malice, that she was his willing companion, that I sprang at the dastard's throat in fury, and he stabbed me and ran off, leaving me for dead. Some kind Samaritans rescued and took care of me, but I kept the name of my would-be murderer a secret, for fear of drawing Geraldine's name into a scandal. Well, just as I became convalescent, I received news of the death of a very near relative that obliged my immediate return to New York. I sent for a detective, confided my secrets to him, and employed him to search for Geraldine in my absence. While I was away I received information that Geraldine had discovered her long-lost mother, and was safe with you. As this set my mind at rest about my betrothed, I paid and dismissed my detective, and determined that as soon as I had settled up some business matters I had on hand, I would return to Chicago and ascertain whether Geraldine's heart had remained true to me in her change of fortune, or if she would discard me for some richer lover. I arrived to-day, and came here full of hope and love to meet--this terrible tragedy of woe!" He paused to steady his shaking voice, then added: "But I believe I have a clew, and I shall follow it up. I go now to my detective. He is very clever, and I am very sorry I dismissed him. I feel sure he can help me to unravel this mystery." The hope and courage in his voice inspired her to exclaim, eagerly: "May Heaven help you--and bless you!" "Thank you! Those words will inspire me to do my best." He touched her hand with his lips, like a gallant knight, and bowing to Cissy, left the room. But while Mrs. Fitzgerald lay unconscious, he had said to the young girl: "Is there a governess in this house?" "Yes, Miss Erroll." "Has she ever carried on a flirtation with Standish?" To his surprise, Cissy blushed, and stammered, replying: "I should not like to answer that question unless you have very good cause for asking it." She was generously eager to shield the woman's past if she could consistently do so. But he answered, gravely: "This must be considered a secret yet, but my detective wrote me that Mr. Standish was carrying on a flirtation with this Miss Erroll. Can she have been in collusion with him to kidnap Geraldine?" "Good Heaven!" cried Cissy, paling at the awful suspicion that presented itself. She saw that she must tell all she knew. But at that moment Mrs. Fitzgerald showed signs of reviving, and Cissy whispered, hurriedly: "I can tell you all about Miss Erroll and Standish. They were lovers long ago, but I do not know if they have met recently."