"Marie!" exclaimed Jewel, in astonishment and relief.
"Oui, ma'amselle," replied the pretty maid, with a titter.
"So you recognize the ghost?" Laurie demanded.
"Yes," said Jewel. "Oh, Marie, was it you all the time?"
"Pardon, mademoiselle, but—yes. I—I—did not mean to frighten any one, only to tease Jules, the gardener, who is my lover."
"It was a very poor joke. If I were in your place, Jewel, I would dismiss this girl from my employ at once," Laurie Meredith said, sternly.
Marie whimpered, and looked pleadingly at Jewel, who hardened her heart, and said, severely:
"Yes, you may go. You are a mischievous girl, and have given me several frights that I shall never forget."
A strange smile flickered over the girl's face, but she said, humbly: