The young midshipman, who had seen Miss Leaton several times at church, and judging as a young man will by the face, declared his absolute faith in her innocence, in despite of all the testimony that might be brought against her.

The Princess Pezzilini held a neutral position between the controversialists, affirming that the whole affair seemed to her a horrible mystery, to which she could find no clue.

We will leave the drawing-room circle canvassing this question, and look into the housekeeper’s room upon another party, with whom we have a little business.

CHAPTER XIII.
AN APPARITION.

Through the lighted window prying,

Softly on the bright pane sighing,

Then in sudden panic flying,

Through the untrodden gloom,

To the dark oak-tree she cometh,

Round its trunk she wildly roameth,