“And I say—� began Alice, but paused as the door opened and Nathan entered, accompanied by the light-hearted, fun-loving Donald.
“O Don, we just needed you. Every one is so sepulchral here to-night,� cried Lissa. Then she continued in a half-whisper to Mark: “Even Professor Russell has no power over Donald. He did not foretell his coming.�
“Mne! I suspect he would have been willing to have excused his absence,� remarked Mrs. Clyne.
“You do look a little solemncholy, that’s a fact,� Donald said.
“Don’t we? And all because we are going to have a spirit seance to-night.�
Nathan started.
“How does this happen,� he asked. “I thought that Russell had left the neighborhood.�
“He has returned. It’s the old story of the bad penny,� replied Lissa.
“Isn’t it the still older story of the serpent in the garden?� suggested Donald.
“Yes, I think you’ve hit it, Don,� said Mark. “The cloven hoof is in evidence and he leaves a trail of brimstone behind him.�