Her reception-dress was covered by the long cloak that had concealed her gown when she started upon that memorable visit to the rooms of Ben Mauprat upon that fatal night.
A pair of long, black gloves covered her hands, and a black hat with nodding plumes shaded her lovely face.
She leaned upon the arm of Lynde Pyne as she entered, pale, but composed, while he was ghastly. Immediately behind her was Luis Kingsley, haggard and gray of countenance, while Leonie, followed by a policeman, brought up the rear.
She still wore her masculine garments, but with an air of timidity and modesty, now that the world knew her sex.
She had scarcely made her appearance than Andrew Pryor leaped forward, seizing her effusively by the hand.
"You, Neil!" he cried, almost breaking into tears in his delight. "This is the greatest happiness of my life! How came you here? Who has been getting you into trouble? I knew that something had happened to you when you did not come back; but thank the Lord I've found you at last! How did you happen to be here? Tell me all about it, my boy, and I will see that you are released at once!"
Leonie's face was crimson.
She could not keep from smiling, while tears dimmed her vision.
"I am afraid that you will find I have deceived you, Mr. Pryor, and then I shall lose the friendship that I have valued as one of my best possessions, and I have few."
"You have deceived me?" he exclaimed. "Nonsense! How have you deceived me? I tell you, it is not possible! What is it that they accuse you of? My friend Lynde Pyne is here. He is a lawyer and he shall defend you. Why, he has tried as hard to find you as I have, and seemed even more interested. Don't be afraid! He will get you out of here soon enough!"