Elm Grove was a beautiful spot, though a desolute one since the murder of its master. At least so thought Florence Darley, who had bestowed on Colonel Conrad the love of a daughter, and who had received from him a parent’s care. She was a beautiful girl—this Florence Darley, beautiful in the possession of a pair of glorious dark eyes. No other portion of her face was particularly striking—not that any of her features were what would be called plain—but in her eyes, with their capacity for expression, lay her chief attractiveness so far as mere appearance went. To say that she was amiable in disposition, high-spirited, and fascinating in manner is but simply to state the unvarnished truth. There was a charm about her presence and bearing that had, as has been stated early in this narrative, made a deep impression on Carlos Conrad. And if, in recounting his experiences after the tragedy, no mention has been made of Florence Darley, it must not be inferred that his thoughts had not often dwelt upon her.

A month passed, and the excitement in Dalton over the murder subsided in a great measure. All efforts to trace Carlos had failed, and the thoughts of the townspeople wandered to him only when some incidental circumstances called the subject up.

One afternoon in October, Florence Darley sat on the piazza of the mansion at Elm Grove, with her friend Mabel Cummings, a young lady of about her own age, and her trusted confidante.

“Florence, you ought not to allow your sorrow to keep you so housed up,” said Mabel. “You are growing pale and thin, and you will injure your health.”

“I am well,” replied Florence, “and Ihave no disposition to seek recreation. Colonel Conrad was all that a father could be to me, and you can never know how Imiss him.”

“Yes, he was a good man, though people did call him eccentric. How strange that he should have bothered his head so over the machinery. Ihave heard that his workshop was a perfect curiosity.”

“He had a genius for mechanics,” said Florence, with a half smile, “and Ihave often sat near him by the hour as he toiled with his files, and lathes, and wheels. Iused to ask him questions to make him laugh when he would get tired and out of patience with his work.”

“What did he ever make? Did he invent anything?”

“I don’t know whether he invented anything new or not. He made a very curious rat-trap, that caught six rats alive, and left them facing each other in a little circle of wire stalls. And then he got up a model of a mowing-machine and gave it to some farmer, who, Ibelieve, had one made on a larger scale and got it patented. But the most wonderful thing was the large clock in his study. He worked for months on it, and put it up, frame and all, himself. It is fastened to the wall and cannot be moved. He put the winding of it in my charge, and Istill attend to it every Saturday morning.”

“What a wonderful man he was! And good, too, Iam sure, though Inever could succeed in approaching him to any degree of intimacy. By the way, how generous Mr.Haywood is toward the poor young man who—did the awful deed. Isaw him once, and could not help feeling sympathy for him, he was so young and kind-looking. And now that he has escaped, Mr.Haywood seems so charitable toward him.”

“How? Mr.Haywood never speaks to me of him.”

“Does he not? Iheard only the other day that he did not join in the clamor for his capture, but said let him go—he might go to some strange land and lead a better life.”

“Mabel,” said Florence, earnestly, “do you know that Inever believed Carlos Conrad to be guilty?”

“You did not?”

“No; Isaw him twice, and twice only, after he came to Dalton—once when he called here, and the other time at the examination before Justice Bean. And Ifelt as you did—that there was something in his face to call up one’s sympathy. And more than that, he did not look like a villain; he had a frank, kind expression, and seemed every inch a gentleman.”

“Florence you surprise me!”

“And shock you?”

“Oh, no.”

“I am glad of that. Ihave often thought what a terrible experience it was for Carlos Conrad and his cousin. They came here so unexpectedly, and had that interview with their uncle (no one knows what was said or done on that occasion). Then came the awful tragedy, and their flight to parts unknown. Iwonder what became of them? Are they in a strange land, without friends? Are they wandering about in disguise? Did they die from starvation or exposure during their flight? Ihave passed sleepless nights, asking these questions to myself, and thinking.”

“Oh, Florence, you must take your mind from these things. No good can come of your thinking of them. It is not doing justice to yourself. You are young, and have life before you.”

“True; but only seven weeks have passed yet. You must know how fresh everything is in my mind.”

“Yes, and it will always be so unless you have some diversion. Come, take a ride with me now,” exclaimed Mabel, springing up impulsively. “My phaeton is out here by the gate, and it is a lovely day.”

“Oh, Mabel, Ihave not ridden out since—since Iput on black. Icannot.”

“But you must. Iwill not see you bury yourself in this way. Come!”

Florence hesitated.

“Go and get ready,” commanded Mabel.

Florence still hesitated, but soon yielded, and five minutes afterward was in the phaeton with her friend.

They started toward Dalton.

“Not through the busy streets,” exclaimed Florence.

“Yes,” persisted Mabel, “right through the streets of Dalton. Why, you will forget how the place looks; and you are not benefiting yourself nor any one else by shutting yourself up. Come, Imean to bring the roses back to those cheeks.”

Mabel handled the reins herself, and managed her spirited pony in good style.

They were shortly passing through the main business street in Dalton. Florence found her thoughts diverted, and looked about her with interest.

Suddenly her gaze became fixed and her face whitened.

“Who is that?” she exclaimed, clutching her companion’s arm.

“Where?” asked Mabel, in surprise at Florence’s tone, and flinching at the grasp on her arm.

“There—walking down the street just ahead of us. In the back he looks like—that is, he brings to my mind—Carlos Conrad!”

She spoke the name in a whisper. She was affected visibly, and trembled with agitation.

“Don’t you know who that is? But of course you don’t, having been shut up so long. It is our new music teacher, Karl Zikoff. He came to town about a week ago. There is a resemblance, looking at him from behind, but Inever noticed it before. We are passing him now. Look at his face. Isn’t he funny?”

Florence stared at the face of the musician attentively. He had stubby side-whiskers and mustache, and wore spectacles. Along, loose sack-coat fluttered in the breeze as he walked, and a broad-brimmed, low-crowned black hat was set back on his head. His whole countenance was exposed, and even at that distance a scar over his right eye was visible. His eyes were bright and rolled about quickly, his movements were nervous, and he flourished his cane in an awkward manner.

“He is peculiar,” said Florence, smiling. “There is no resemblance, come to get a good view of him. You must pardon me; Iwas frightened.”

“Even if it were the one you thought it was, Ishould think there was no occasion for any one being frightened but himself. You may depend upon it Carlos Conrad will not be seen in Dalton unless he is brought here.”

“Do you know,” said Florence, thoughtfully, “that Ihave hoped all along that he would——”

Here she checked herself, and was silent.

“Hoped what, Florence?”

“Never mind; it was only a passing fancy, not worth uttering. Has this Mr.Zikoff many pupils?”

“Several, Ibelieve. They say he is a magnificent player.”

“You have not heard him, then?”

“No; but he is to give a soiree to-morrow night at Delmar’s music rooms to introduce himself. Ihave been favored with an invitation, and shall be in attendance.”

“You can give me a report of the affair.”

“Yes; Ihave an idea, Florence. It is that you take lessons of Mr.Zikoff.”

“I!”

“Yes; it would be an excellent way for you to occupy your time. It would keep you from brooding your life away. You are interested in music too, and used to enjoy its study so much.”

“Yes, I know it.”

“And that would not be like going out into the world. He would come to you twice a week, and give you something to keep your hands and mind busy several hours every day.”

“Iwill think of it,” said Florence, musingly. Her mind seemed to be possessed of some new train of thought, for she spoke slowly, and there was an absent look on her face. She added, as if speaking to herself, “Ithink Ishould like to know Mr.Zikoff.”

“I’ll warrant that he’s jolly,” rattled Mabel, “and it must be no end of fun to listen to his jabber.”

“Jabber.”

“Yes, all Germans talk so Dutchy.”

“You would make fun of him if he should give you lessons, Mabel,” said Florence, smiling.

“I am afraid I would. Now seriously, Florence, Iwant you to think of this thing I have proposed. You really need something to take up your attention. Isuppose the marriage will not take place for some time.”

“What marriage?” asked Florence, quickly.

“That of yourself and Mr.Haywood. Isn’t it generally understood that you are engaged to him?”

“Ihope not, for it is not true. But Ibelieve Colonel Conrad had some such thought. He held Mr.Haywood in great esteem.”

“Iunderstood that it went farther than that—that he was particularly desirous a match should be made.”

“Perhaps he was,” replied Florence, gravely. “But Ido not approve of such affairs being arranged for young people before they have had time to know their own minds.”

“Nor I; but I suppose this arrangement was satisfactory. There is not a marriageable maiden in Dalton but would be glad to have had him excepting myself.”

“And me,” said Florence, quietly.

“Is it to be broken off?” exclaimed Mabel.

“There is nothing yet to break off. Iam not engaged to him, as Isaid before.”

“Oh, well, but——”

“And I would prefer that you should not aid in spreading the impression about. Do not couple my name with any intended marriage at present, Mabel. Ihave no such thought in connection with Mr.Haywood or any one else.”

“I will obey your injunction. And now will you stop or ride farther?”

The drive had taken them through several streets and by a circuitous route back to Elm Grove.

“I will get out,” replied Florence, “and accept my thanks, Mabel. Ihave enjoyed the ride very much.”

“I am glad! I will come again for you to-morrow.”

Florence alighted, and was proceeding up the broad path to the house. As Mabel was gathering up the reins preparatory to starting homeward, Florence turned and said:

“I was going to say, when we were down town, Mabel, that Ihad hoped all along that Carlos Conrad would escape.”

Having delivered this remark in a low voice, she went swiftly on up the path, and her friend, having no opportunity to reply, drove off.