 CHAPTER 1 THE SAUCEROUS The plague raged in the city of London. The destroying angel had gone forth and kindled with its fiery breath the awful pestilence until all London became one mighty laser-house. Thousands were swept away daily, grass grew in the streets, and the living were scarce able to bury the dead. Business of all kinds was at an end, except that of the coffin-makers and drivers of the pest-carts. Whole streets were shut up, and almost every other house in the city bore the fatal red cross and the ominous inscription, Lord, have mercy on us. Few people, save the watchmen, armed with halberds, keeping guard over the stricken houses, appeared in the streets, and those who ventured there shrank from each other, and passed rapidly on with averted faces. Many even fell dead on the sidewalk, and lay with their ghastly discoloured faces upturned to the mocking sunlight, until the dead cart came rattling along, and the drivers hoisted the body with their pitchforks on the top of their dreadful load. Few other vehicles besides those same dead carts appeared in the city now, and they plied their trade busily, day and night, and the cry of the drivers echoed dismally through the deserted streets, bring out your dead, bring out your dead. All who could do so had long ago fled from the devoted city, and London lay under the burning heat of the dune sunshine, strickened for its sins by the hand of God. The pest houses were full, so were the plague-pits, where the dead were held in cartfuls, and no one knew who rose up in health in the morning, but that they might be lying stark and dead in a few hours. The very churches were forsaken, their pastors fled, or lying in the plague-pits, and it was even resolved to convert the great Cathedral of St. Paul into a vast plague hospital. Cries and lamentations echoed from one end of the city to the other, and deaths and childs reigned over London together. Yet in the midst of all this, many scenes of wild orgies and debauchery still went on within its gates, as in our own day, when the cholera ravaged Paris, the inhabitants of that facetious city made it a carnival, so now, in London, there were many who feeling they had but a few days to live at the most, resolved to defy death, and indulge in the revelry while they yet existed. Eat, drink, and be merry, for to-morrow you die, was their motto. And if in the midst of the frantic dance or debauched revel one of them dropped dead, the others only shrieked with laughter, hurled the livid body out to the street, and the demoniac mass grew twice as fast and furious as before. Robbers and cut-purses paraded the streets at Noonday, entered boldly, closed and deserted houses, and bore off with impunity whatever they pleased. Highwaymen infested Hounslow Heath, and all the roads leading from the city, levying at all in a hall who passed, and plundering fearlessly the flying citizens. In fact, far-famed London town, in the year of Grace, 1665, would have given one a good idea of pandemonium broke loose. It was drawing to the close of an almost tropical June day that the crowd who had thronged the precincts of St. Paul's since early morning began to disperse. The sun that had throbbed the life-long day like a great heart of fire in a sea of brass was sinking from sight in clouds of crimson, purple, and gold, yet Paul's walk was crowded. There were court-gallons and ruffles and plumes, ballads-singers chanting the not-over-delicate ditties of the Earl of Rochester, usurers exchanging gold for bonds worth three times what they gave for them, quack-doctors reading indolorous tones the bills of mortality of the preceding day, and selling plague-waters and anti-pestilential abominations whose merit they loudly extolled. Ladies, too, richly dressed, and many of them masked, and booksellers who always made St. Paul's a favourite haunt, and even to this day patronise its precincts and flourish in the regions of Patonoste-Ros and Ave Maria-Laine. Court pages in rich libraries, pert and flippant, serving men out of place, and pickpockets with a keen eye to business, all clashed and jostled together, raising a dint to which the plain of Chenard, with its confusion of tongues and Babylonish workmen, were as nothing. Looking serenely through this discordancy of his fellow-creatures came a young man, booted and spurred, whose rich doublet of cherry-coloured velvet edged and spangled with gold, and jaunty hat set slightly on one side of his head, with its long black plume and diamond clasp proclaimed him to be somebody. A profusion of snowy shirt-frill rushed impetuously out of his doublet. A black velvet cloak, lined with amber satin, fell picturesquely from his shoulders. A sword, with a jewelled hilt, clanked on the pavement as he walked. One hand was covered with a gauntlet of cannery-coloured kid, perfumed to a degree that would shame any bell of today. The other, which rested lightly on his sword-hilt, flashed with a splendid opal, splendidly set. He was a handsome fellow, too, with fair, waving hair, for he had the good taste to discard the ugly wigs then in vogue. Dark, bright, handsome eyes, a sick blond moustache, a tall and remarkably graceful figure, at an expression of countenance where an easy good nature and fiery impetuosity had a hard struggle for mastery. That he was a courty of rank was apparent from his rich attire and rather aristocratic bearing, and a crowd of hangars on followed him as he went, loudly demanding spur-money. A group of timbrel girls, singing shrilly the songs of the day, called boldly to him as he passed, and one of them more free and easy than the rest, danced up to him, striking her timbrel, and shouting rather than singing the chorus of the then popular ditty, what care I, full pest or plague, we can die but once, God, what? Kiss me, darling, stay with me, love me, love me, leave me not. The darling in question turned his bright blue eyes on that dashing street singer with a cool glance of recognition. Very sorry, Nell, he said in a nonchalant tone, but I'm afraid I must. How long have you been here, may I ask? A full hour by St. Paul's. And where has Sir Norman Kingsley been, may I ask? I thought you were dead of the plague. Not exactly. Have you seen—ah!—there he is, the very man I want. With which Sir Norman Kingsley dropped a gold piece into the girl's extended palm, and pushed on through the crowd at Paul's walk. At all, dark figure was leaning moodily with folded arms, looking fixedly at the ground, and taking no notice of the busy scene around him, until Sir Norman laid his unloved and jewelled hand lightly on his shoulder. Good morning, Ormston. I had an idea I would find you here, and—but what's the matter with you, man? Have you got the plague, or has your mysterious inamorata jilted you, or what other annoyance has happened to make you look as woe-begone as Old King Lear, sent adrift by his tender daughters to take care of himself? The individual addressed, lifted his head, disclosing a dark and rather handsome face, settled now into a look of gloomy discontent. He slightly raised his hat, as he saw who his questioner was. Ah! It's you, Sir Norman. I had given up all notion of your coming, and was about to quit this confounded babel, this tumultuous den of thieves. What has detained you? I was on duty at Whitehall. Are we not in time to keep our appointment? Oh! certainly! La Masque is at home to visitors at all hours, day and night. I believe in my soul she doesn't know what sleep means. And you are still as much in love with her as ever, I dare swear. I have no doubt now. It was of her you were thinking when I came up. Nothing else could ever have made you look so dismally woe-begone as you did when Providence sent me to your relief. I was thinking of her, said the young man moodily, and with a darkening brow. Sir Norman favoured him with a half-amused, half-contemptuous stare for a moment, then stopped at a huckster stall to purchase some cigarettes, lit one, and after smoking for a few minutes pleasantly remarked, as if the factor just struck him. Ormiston, you are a fool. I know it, said Ormiston, sententiously. The idea, said Sir Norman, knocking the ashes dainterly off the end of his cigar with the tip of his little finger. The idea of falling in love with a woman whose face you have never seen. I can understand a man going to any absurd extreme when he falls in love in proper Christian fashion with a proper Christian face, but to go stark staring mad as you have done, my dear fellow, about a black loom-ask, why, I consider that a little too much of a good thing. Come, let us go. Knodding easily to his numerous acquaintances as you went, Sir Norman Kingsley sauntered leisurely down Paul's walk, and out through the great door of the Cathedral, followed by his melancholy friend. Pausing for a moment to gaze at the gorgeous sunset with a look of languid admiration, Sir Norman passed his arm through that of his friend, and they walked on at a rather rapid pace, in the direction of Old London Bridge. There were few people abroad except the watchmen walking slowly up and down before the plague-stricken houses, but in every street they passed through they noticed huge piles of wood and coal heaped down the centre. Smoking zealously they had walked on for a season in silence, when Ormiston ceased puffing for a moment to inquire, What are all these for? This is a strange time, I should imagine, for bonfires. They are not bonfires, said Sir Norman, at least they are not intended for that, and if your head was not fuller of that masked witch of endorse and common sense, for I believe she is nothing better than a witch, you could not have helped knowing. The Lord Mayor of London has been inspired suddenly with a notion that if several thousand fires are kindled at once in the streets it will purify the air and check the pestilence. So when St. Paul's tolls the hour of midnight all these piles are to be fired, it will be a glorious illumination no doubt, but as to it stopping the progress of the plague I am afraid that it is altogether too good to be true. Why should you doubt it? The plague cannot last for ever? No, but Lily the astrologer, who predicted it is coming, also foretold that it would last for many months yet, and since one prophecy has come true I see no reason why the other should not. Except the simple one that there would be nobody left alive to take it, all London will be lying in the plague pits by that time. A pleasant prospect, but a true one I have no doubt, and as I have no ambition to be hurled headlong into one of those horrible holes I shall leave town altogether in a few days, and Ormiston I would strongly recommend you to follow my example. Not I, said Ormiston, in a tone of gloomy resolution, while a mask stays so will I, and perhaps die of the plague in a week. So be it, I don't fear the plague half as much as I do the thought of losing her. And so Norman stared. Oh, I see, it's a hopeless case. Faith, I begin to feel curious to see this enchantress, who has managed so effectually to turn your brain. When did you see her last? Yesterday, said Ormiston, with a deep sigh, and if she were made of granite she could not be harder to me than she is. So she doesn't care about you then? Not she. She has a little blenim lapdog that she loves a thousand times more than she ever will me. Then what an idiot you are to keep haunting her like a shadow. Why don't you be a man and tear out from your heart such a goddess? Ah, that's easily said, but if you were in my place you'd act exactly as I do. I don't believe it. It's not in me to go mad about anything with a masked face and a marble heart. If I loved any woman, which, unfortunately, at this present time I do not, and she had the bad taste not to return it, I should take my hat, make her a bow, and go directly and love somebody else made of flesh and blood instead of cast iron. You know the old song, Ormiston. If she be not fair for me, what care I how fair she be? Kingsley, you know nothing about it, said Ormiston impatiently. So stop talking nonsense. If you are cold-blooded, I am not, and I love her. So Norman slightly shrugged his shoulders, and flung his smoked-out weed into a heap of firewood. Are we near her house? he asked. Yonder is the bridge. And Yonder is the house, replied Ormiston, pointing to a large, ancient building, ancient even for those times, with three stories, each projecting over the other. See, while the houses on either side are marked as pest-stricken, hers alone bears no cross. So it is, those who cling to life are stricken with death, and those who, like me, are desperate, even death shuns. Why, my dear Ormiston, you surely are not so far gone as that? Upon my honour I had no idea you were in such a bad way. I am nothing but a miserable wretch, and I wish to heaven I was in Yonder dead-cart with the rest of them, and she too, if she never intends to love me. Ormiston spoke with such fierce earnestness that there was no doubting his sincerity, and so Norman became profoundly shocked, so much so that he did not speak again until they were almost at the door. Then he opened his lips to ask in a subdued tone, she has predicted the future for you. What did she foretell? Being good, no fear of there being anything in store for such an unlucky dog as I am. Where did she learn this wonderful black art of hers? In the East, I believe, she has been there and all over the world, and now visits England for the first time. She has chosen a sprightly season for her visit. Is she not afraid of the plague, I wonder? No, she fears nothing, said Ormiston, as he knocked loudly at the door. I begin to believe she is made of adamant, instead of what other women are made of. Which is a rib, I believe, observed so Norman thoughtfully, and that accounts I daresay for their being of such a crooked and contankerous nature. There a wonderful race women are, and for what inscrutable reason it has pleased Providence to create them. The opening of the door brought to a sudden end this little touch of moralising, and a wrinkled old porter thrust out a very withered and unlovely face. Her mask at home inquired Ormiston, stepping in without ceremony. The old man nodded and pointed upstairs, and with a, this way, Kingsley, Ormiston sprang lightly up, three at a time, followed in the same style by Sir Norman. You seemed pretty well acquainted with the latitude and longitude of this place, observed that young gentleman, as they passed into a room at the head of the stairs. I ought to be, I have been here often enough, said Ormiston. This is the common waiting-room for all who wish to consult their mask. That old bag of bones who let us in has gone to announce us. Sir Norman took a seat, and glanced curiously round the room. It was a commonplace apartment enough, with a floor of polished black oak, slippery as ice, and shining like glass. A few old Flemish paintings on the walls, a large round table in the centre of the floor, on which lay a pair of the old musical instruments called virginals. Two large curtainless windows, with minute diamond-shaped panes set in leaden casements, admitted the golden and crimson light. For the reception-room of a sorceress, remarked Sir Norman, with an air of disappointed criticism, there is nothing very wonderful about all this. How is it she space fortunes, anyway, as Lily does by maps and charts, or as these old eastern Mufti do it by magic mirrors and all such fulleries? Neither, said Ormiston, her style is more like that of the Indian Almex, who show you your destiny in a well. She has a sort of magic lake in her room, and—but you will see it all for yourself presently. I have always heard, said Sir Norman, in the same meditative way, that truth lies at the bottom of a well, and I am glad someone has turned up at last who is able to fish it out. Ah! Here comes our ancient mercury, to show us to the presence of your goddess. The door opened, and the old bag of bones, as Ormiston irreverently styled, his lady loves ancient domestic, made a sign for them to follow him. Leading the way down along a corridor, he flung open a pair of shining folding doors at the end, and ushered them at once into the majestic presence of the sorceress and her magic room. Both gentlemen doffed their plumed hats. Ormiston stepped forward at once, but Sir Norman discreetly paused in the doorway to contemplate the scene of action. As he slowly did so, a look of deep displeasure settled on his features, and finding it not half so awful as he had supposed. In some ways it was very like the room they had left, being low, large, and square, and having floors, walls, and ceilings paneled with glossy black oak. But it had no windows. A large bronze lamp suspended from the centre of the ceiling shed a flickering ghostly light. There were no paintings. Some grim carvings of skulls, skeletons, and serpents pleasantly reathed the room. Neither were there seats nor tables. Nothing but a huge ebony cauldron at the upper end of the apartment, over which a grinning skeleton on wires, with a scythe in one hand of bone, and an hourglass in the other, kept watch and ward. Opposite this cheerful-looking guardian was a tall figure in black, standing as motionless as if it, too, was carved in ebony. It was a female figure, very tall and slight, but as beautifully symmetrical as a Venus celestis. Her dress was of black velvet that swept the polished floor, spangled all over with stars of gold and rich rubies. A profusion of shining black hair fell in waves and curls almost to her feet. But her face, from forehead to chin, was completely hidden by a black velvet mask. In one hand, exquisitely small and white, she held a gold casket, blazing like her dress with rubies, and with the other she toyed with a tame viper that attwined itself round her wrist. This was doubtless la mask, and becoming conscious of that fact so Norman made her a low and courtly bow. She returned it by a slight bend of the head, and turning toward as companion spoke. "'You here again, Mr. Almaston? To what am I indebted for the honour of two visits in two days?' Her voice, so Norman thought, was the sweetest he had ever heard, musical as a chime of silver bells, soft as the tones of an Aeolian harp through which the west wind plays. "'Madame, I am aware my visits are undesired,' said Almaston, with a flushing cheek and slightly tremulous voice, but I have merely come with my friend, so Norman Kingsley, who wishes to know what the future has in store for him. Thus invoked, so Norman Kingsley stepped forward, with another low bow to the masked lady. "'Yes, madam, I have long heard that those fair fingers can withdraw the curtain of the future, and I have come to see what dame destiny is going to do for me.' "'So Norman Kingsley is welcome,' said the sweet voice, and shall see what he desires. "'There is but one condition, that he will keep perfectly silent, for if he speaks, the scene, he beholds, will vanish. Come forward!' So Norman compressed his lips as closely as if they were forever hermetically sealed, and came forward accordingly. Leaning over the edge of the urbanic cauldron, he found that it contained nothing more dreadful than water, for he laboured under a vague and unpleasant idea that, like the witch's cauldron in Macbeth, it might be filled with serpents' blood and children's brains. La Masque opened her golden casket, and took from it a portion of red powder with which it was filled. Casting it into the cauldron, she murmured an invocation in Sanskrit, or Coptic, or some other unknown tongue, and slowly there arose a dense cloud of dark red smoke that nearly filled the room. Had so Norman ever read the story of Aladdin, he would probably have thought of it then. But the young courtier did not greatly affect literature of any kind, and thought of nothing now but of seeing something when the smoke cleared away. It was rather long in doing so, and when it did, he saw nothing at first but his own handsome, half-serious, half-incredulous face. But gradually a picture, distinct and clear, formed itself at the bottom, and so Norman gazed with bewildered eyes. He saw a large room filled with a sparkling crowd, many of some ladies, splendidly arrayed and flashing in jewels, and foremost among them stood one whose beauty surpassed anything he had ever before dreamed of. She wore the robes of a queen, purple and ermine, diamonds blazed on her beautiful neck, arms and fingers, and a tiara of the same brilliance crowned her regal head. In one hand she held a scepter. What seemed to be a throne was behind her, but something that surprised so no one most of all was to find himself standing beside her, the signessure of all eyes. While he yet gazed and mingled astonishment in incredulity, the scene faded away, and another took its place. This time a dungeon cell, damp and dismal, walls and floor and ceiling covered with green and hideous slime. A small lamp stood on the floor, and by its sickly, watery gleam he saw himself again, standing pale and ejected near the wall. But he was not alone. The same glittering vision in purple and diamond stood before him, and suddenly he drew his sword, and plunged it up to the hilt in her heart. The beautiful vision fell like a stone at his feet, and the sword was drawn out, reeking with her life-blood. This was a little too much for the real so-norman, and with an expression of indignant consternation he sprang up right. Instantly it all faded away, and the reflection of his own excited face looked up at him from the cauldron. "'I told you not to speak,' said LaMasque quietly, "'but you must look on still another scene.' Again she threw a portion of the contents of the casket into the cauldron, and spakeled out the words of power. Another cloud of smoke arose and filled the room, and when it cleared away, so-norman beheld a third in a less startling sight. The scene and place he could not discover, but it seemed to him like night and a storm. Two men were lying on the ground, and bound fast together it appeared to him. As he looked it faded away, and once more his own face seemed to mock him in the clear water. "'Do you know these two last figures?' asked the lady. "'I do,' said so-norman promptly. It was almost in and myself. "'Right,' and one of them was dead. "'Dead,' exclaimed so-norman, with a perceptible start. "'Which one, madam?' "'If you cannot tell that, neither can I. If there is anything further you wish to see, I am quite willing to show it to you.' "'I am obliged to you,' said so-norman, stepping back. "'But no more at present. Thank you. Do you mean to say, madam, that I am some day to murder a lady, especially one so beautiful as she I just now saw?' "'I have said nothing. All you've seen will come to pass, and whether your destiny be for good or evil, I have nothing to do with it.' "'Except,' said the sweet voice, earnestly, that if La Masque could strew so-norman Kingsley's pathway with roses, she would most assuredly do so. "'Madam, you are too kind,' said that young gentleman, laying his hand on his heart, while almost in scowl darkly. Or especially, thou so misfortune to be a perfect stranger to you. Not so, so-norman, I have known you this many a day, and before long we shall be better acquainted. Permit me to wish you good evening.' At this gentle hint both gentlemen bowed themselves out, and soon found themselves in the street, with very different expressions of countenance. So-norman looked considerably pleased and decidedly puzzled, and Mr. Ormiston looked savagely and uncompromisingly jealous. The animated skeleton, who had admitted them, closed the door after them, and the two friends stood in the twilight on London Bridge. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN by Mae Agnes Fleming CHAPTER II THE DAD BRIDE "'Well,' said Ormiston, drawing a long bath, what do you think of that?' "'Think?' "'Don't ask me yet,' said Sir Norman, looking rather bewildered. "'I'm in such a state of mystification that I don't rightly know whether I'm standing on my head or feet. But one thing I've come to the conclusion that your masked lady-love must be enchantingly beautiful. Have I not told you that a thousand times, O thou of little faith? But why have you come to such a conclusion? Because no woman was such a figure, such a voice, and such hands could be otherwise. I knew you would own it some day. Do you wonder now that I love her?' "'Oh,' as too Lovinger said Sir Norman Cooley, that's quite another thing. I could no more love her, or her hands, voice, and shape than I could a figure in wood or wax. But I admire her vastly, and think her extremely clever. I will never forget that face in the cauldron. It was the most exquisitely beautiful I ever saw. In love with the shadow of a face, why you are a thousandfold more absurd than I?' "'No,' said Sir Norman thoughtfully. "'I don't know, as I'm in love with it. But if I ever see a living face like it, I certainly shall be.' "'How did Lamasse do it?' I wonder.' "'You had better ask her,' said Armiston bitterly. She seems to have taken an unusual interest in you at first sight. She would strew your path with roses, forsooth. Nothing earthly, I believe, would make her say anything half so tender to me.' Sir Norman laughed and stroked his mustache complacently. "'All a matter of taste, my dear fellow, and these women are noted for their perfection in that line. I begin to admire Lamasse more and more, and I think you had better give up the chase and let me take your place. I don't believe you have the ghost of a chance, Armiston. I don't believe it myself,' said Armiston, with a desperate face. "'But until the plague carries me off, I cannot give her up, and the sooner that happens, the better.' "'Ha! What is this?' It was a piercing shriek, no unusual sound, and, as he spoke, the door of an adjoining house was flung open. A woman rushed wildly out, fled down an adjoining street, and disappeared. Sir Norman and his companion looked at each other, and then at the house. "'What's all this about?' demanded Armiston. "'That's a question I can't take it upon myself to answer,' said Sir Norman. "'And the only way to solve the mystery is to go in and see.' "'It may be the plague,' said Armiston, hesitating. "'Yet the house is not marked. "'There is a watchman. I will ask him. "'The man with the hellbird in his hand was walking up and down "'before an adjoining house, bearing the omnius red cross "'and piteous inscription. Lord, have mercy on us.' "'I don't know, sir,' was his answer to Armiston. "'If anyone there has the plague, they must have taken it lately, "'for I heard this morning there was to be a wedding there tonight. "'I never heard of anyone screaming in that fashion "'about a wedding,' said Armiston duckfully. "'Do you know who lives there?' "'No, sir. I only came here myself yesterday, "'but two or three times today I have seen a very beautiful "'young lady looking out of the window.' "'Armiston thanked the man and went back to report to his friend. "'A beautiful young lady,' said sir Norman with energy. "'Then I mean to go directly up and see about it, "'and you can follow or not, just as you please.' "'So saying, sir Norman entered the open doorway "'and found himself in a long hall, "'flanked by a couple of doors on each side. "'These he opened in rapid succession, "'finding nothing but silence and solitude. "'And Armiston, who upon reflection chose to follow, "'ran up a wide and sweeping staircase at the end of the hall. "'Sir Norman followed him, and they came to a hall "'similar to the one below. "'A door to the right lay open, "'and both entered without ceremony and looked around. "'The room was spacious and richly furnished. "'Just enough light stole through the Oriole window "'at the further end, draped with crimson satin, "'embroidered with gold to show it. "'The floor was a veined wood of many colors, "'arranged in fanciful mosaics "'and strewn with Turkish rugs and Persian mats "'of gorgeous colors. "'The walls were carved, the ceiling corniced, "'and all fretted with gold network and gilded moldings. "'On a couch covered with crimson satin, "'like the window drapery, lay a sithrin "'and some loose sheets of music. "'Near it was a small marble table covered "'with books and drawings, with a decanter of wine, "'and an exquisite little goblet of bohemian glass. "'The marble mantel was strewn with ornaments "'of porcelain and alabaster and a beautifully carved vase "'of perian marbles stood in the center "'filled with brilliant flowers. "'A great mirror reflected back the room "'and beneath it stood a toilet table strewn with jewels, "'laces, perfume bottles, and an array "'of costly little feminine trifles "'such as ladies were fond of two centuries ago, "'as they are today. "'Evidently it was a ladies chamber, "'for in a recess near the windows "'stood a great, quaint carved bedstead "'with curtains and snowy lace, "'looped back with golden arrows and scarlet ribbons. "'Some one lay on it, too, at least, "'Ormiston thought so, and he went cautiously forward "'through the curtain and looked down. "'Great heaven, what a beautiful face was his cry "'as he bent still further down. "'What the plague is the matter, "'as Sir Norman coming forward? "'You have said it,' said Armiston, recalling. "'The plague is the matter. "'There lies one dead of it.' "'Curiosity, proving stronger than fear, "'Sir Norman stepped forward to look at the corpse. "'It was a young girl with a face as lovely "'as a poet's vision. "'That face was like snow, now, "'and, in its calm, cold majesty, "'looked as exquisitely perfect "'as some ancient Grecian statue. "'The low, pearly brow, the sweet, beautiful lips, "'the delicate oval outline of countenance were perfect. "'The eyes were closed, and the long dark lashes "'rested on the ivory cheeks. "'A profusion of shining dark hair fell "'in elaborate curls over her neck and shoulders. "'Her dress was that of a bride, "'a robe of white satin, brocaded with silver, "'fairly dazzling in its shining radiance, "'and as brief in the article of sleeves and neck "'is that of any modern belle. "'A circlet of pearls were clasped round her snow-white throat "'and bracelets of the same jewels "'in circled the snowy tapered arms. "'On her head she wore a bridal wreath and veil. "'The former of jewels, the latter, "'falling round her like a cloud of mist. "'Everything was perfect from the wreath and veil "'to the tiny sandaled feet "'and lying there in her mute repose. "'She looked more like some exquisite piece of sculpture "'than anything that had ever lived and moved "'in this groveling world of ours. "'But from one shoulder the dress had been pulled down "'and there lay a great livid purple plague spot. "'Come away,' said Ormiston, "'catching his companion by the arm. "'It is death to remain here.' "'So Norman had been standing like one in a trance, "'from which this address roused him, "'and he grasped Ormiston's shoulder "'almost frantically. "'Look there, Ormiston, there lies the very face "'that Sorceress showed me fifteen minutes ago "'in her infernal cauldron. "'I would know it at the other end of the world.' "'Are you sure?' said Ormiston, "'glancing again with new curiosity at the marble face. "'I never saw anything half so beautiful in all my life. "'But you see, she is dead of the plague.' "'Dead? She cannot be. "'Nothing so perfect could die.' "'Look here,' said Ormiston, pointing to the plague spot. "'There is the fatal token. "'For heaven's sake let us get out of this, "'or we will share the same fate before morning.' "'But Sir Norman did not move and could not move. "'He stood there rooted to the spot "'by the spell of that lovely lifeless face. "'Usually the plague left its victims hideous, "'gasly, discolored, and covered with blotches. "'But in this case there was nothing to mar the perfect beauty "'of the satin-smooth skin but that one dreadful mark. "'There Sir Norman stood in his trance as motionless "'as if some genie out of the Arabian knights "'had suddenly turned him into stone, "'a trick they were very much addicted to, "'and destined him to remain there "'an ornamental fixture for ever.' "'Ormiston looked at him distractedly, "'uncertain whether to try moral suasion "'or to take him by the collar "'and drag him headlong down the stairs "'when a providential but rather dismal circumstance "'came to his relief. "'A cart came rattling down the street, "'a bell was loudly rang and a hoarse voice arose with it. "'Bring out your dead, bring out your dead.' "'Ormiston rushed downstairs to intercept the dead cart, "'already almost full, on its way to the plague pit. "'The driver stopped at his call "'and instantly followed him upstairs and into the room. "'Glancing at the body, with the utmost soft frock, "'he touched the dress and indifferently remarked, "'A bride, I should say, in an uncommonly handsome one, too, "'we'll just take her along as she is "'and strip these nice things out the body "'when we get it to the plague pit.' "'So saying, he wrapped her in the sheet "'and directing Ormiston to take hold "'of the two lower ends to the upper corners himself "'with the air of a man quite used to that sort of thing. "'Ormiston recoiled from touching it "'and Sir Norman, seeing what they were about to do "'and knowing there was no help for it, "'made up his mind, like a sensible young man, as he was, "'to conceal his feelings and caught hold of the sheet "'himself. "'In this fashion the dead bride was carried downstairs "'and laid upon a shutter on the top of a pile of bodies "'in the dead cart. "'It was now almost dark, and as the cart started, "'the great clock of St. Paul's struck eight. "'St. Michael's, St. Albans and the others took up the sound "'and the two young men paused to listen. "'For many weeks the sky had been clear, brilliant and blue, "'but on this night dark clouds were scutting "'in wild unrest across it "'and the air was oppressingly close and so three. "'Where are you going now?' said Ormiston. "'Are you for White Halls tonight?' "'No,' said Sir Norman, rather dejectedly, "'turning to follow the pest cart. "'I am for the plague pit in Thinsbury fields.' "'Nonsense,' man exclaimed Ormiston, "'interjectedly. "'What will take you there? "'You surely are not mad enough to follow the body "'of that dead girl. "'I shall follow it. "'You can come or not, just as you please.' "'Oh, if you are determined I will go with you, of course, "'but it is the craziest freak I ever heard of. "'After this you need never laugh at me.' "'I never will,' said Sir Norman mootily. "'For if you love a face you have never seen, I love one "'I have only looked on when dead. "'Does it not seem sacrilege to throw anyone "'so like an angel into that horrible plague pit?' "'I never saw an angel,' said Ormiston, "'as he and his friends started to go after the dead cart. "'And I dare say there have been scores as beautiful "'as that poor girl thrown into the plague pit before now. "'I wonder why the house has been deserted "'and if she was really a bride. "'The bridegroom could not have loved her much, I fancy, "'or not even the pestilence could have scared him away.' "'But Ormiston, what an extraordinary thing it is "'that it should be precisely the same face "'that the fortune teller showed me. "'There she was alive and here she is dead. "'So I've lost all faith in La Masque forever.' Ormiston looked doubtful. "'Are you quite sure it is the same Kingsley?' "'Quite sure,' said Sir Norman indignantly. "'Of course I am. "'Do you think I could be mistaken in such a case? "'I tell you, I would know that face at Cam's Chacka "'or the North Pole, for I don't believe "'there ever was such another created.' "'So be it then. "'Your object, of course, in following that card "'is to take a last look at her. "'Precisely so. "'Don't talk. "'I feel in no mood for it just at present.' Ormiston smiled to himself and did not talk accordingly "'and in silence the two friends followed "'the gloomy dead cart. "'A faint young moon, pale and sickly, "'was struggling dimly through the drifts of dark clouds "'and lighted the lonesome dreary streets "'with a wand wintery glimmer. "'For weeks the weather had been brilliantly fine, "'the days all sunshine, the nights all moonlight. "'But now, Ormiston, looking up at the troubled face "'of the sky, concluded mentally "'that the Lord Mayor had selected an unprepitious night "'for the grand illumination. "'Sir Norman, with his eyes on the pest cart "'and the long white figure therein, "'took no heat of anything in the heaven above "'or in the earth beneath "'and strode along in dismal silence "'till they reached, at last, their journey's end. "'As the cart stopped, the two young men approached "'the edge of the plague pit and looked in with a shutter. "'Truly it was a horrible sight, "'that heaving, putrid sea of corruption, "'for the bodies of the miserable victims "'were thrown in, in cartfuls, "'and only covered with a handful of earth and quick lime. "'Here and there, through the cracking and sinking surface, "'could be seen protruding a fair white arm or a baby face, "'mingled with the long dark tresses of maidens, "'the golden curls of children, "'and the white hairs of old age. "'The pestilential effluvia arising "'from the dreadful mass was so overpowering "'that both shrank back, faint and sick "'after a moment's survey. "'It was indeed, as Sir Norman had said, "'a horrible grave wherein to lie. "'Mean time, the driver, with an eye to business, "'and no time for such nonsense as melancholy moralizing, "'had laid the body of the young girl on the ground "'and briskly turned his cart "'and dumped the remainder of his load into the pit. "'Then, having flung a few handfuls of clay over it, "'he unwound the sheet and kneeling beside the body, "'prepared to remove the jewels. "'The rays of the moon and his dark lantern "'fell on the lovely snow-white face together, "'and Sir Norman groaned despairingly as he saw "'its death-cold rigidity. "'The man had stripped the rings off the fingers, "'the bracelets off the arms, "'but as he was about to perform the same operation "'toward the necklace, he was stopped "'by a startling interruption. "'In his haste, the clasp entered the beautiful neck, "'inflicting a deep scratch from which the blood spouted, "'and at the same instant, the dead girl opened her eyes "'with a shrill cry. "'Uttering a yell of terror as, well, he might, "'the man sprang back and gazed at her with horror, "'believing that his sacrilegious robbery "'had brought the dead to life. "'Even the two young men, albeit neither of them, "'given to nervousness nor cowardice, "'recoiled for an instant and stared aghast. "'Then, as the whole truth struck them "'that the girl had been in a deep swoon and not dead, "'both simultaneously darted forward "'and forgetting all fear of infection knelt by her side. "'A pair of great, lustrous black eyes "'were staring wildly around and fixed themselves "'first on one face and then on the other. "'Where am I?' she exclaimed with a terrified look, "'as she strobe to raise herself on her elbow "'and fell instantaneously back with a cry of agony "'as she felt for the first time "'the throbbing anguish of the wound. "'You are with friends, dear lady,' said Sir Norman, "'in a voice quite tremulous between astonishment and delight. "'Fear nothing, for you shall be saved.' "'The great black eyes turned wildly upon him "'while a fierce spasm convulsed the beautiful face. "'Oh, my God, I remember I have the plague.' "'And with a prolonged shriek of anguish "'that thrilled even to the hardened heart "'of the dead cart driver, the girl fell back senseless again. "'Sir Norman Kingsley sprang to his feet, "'and with more the air of frantic lunatic "'than a responsible young English knight "'caught the cold form in his arms, "'laid it in the dead cart, "'and was about springing into the driver's seat "'when that individual indignantly interposed. "'Come, now, none of that. "'If you were the king himself, "'you shouldn't run away with my cart in that fashion, "'so you just get out of my place as fast as you can. "'My dear Kingsley, what are you about to do?' "'asked Armiston, catching his excited friend by the arm. "'Do!' exclaimed Sir Norman in a high key. "'Can't you see that for yourself? "'And I'm going to have that girl cured of the plague "'if there is such a thing as a doctor "'to be had for love or money in London. "'You had better have her taken to the pest house at once, then. "'There are chirurgians and nurses enough there. "'To the pest house? "'Why, man, I might as well have her thrown "'into the plague pit there at once, not I. "'I shall have her taken to my own house "'and there, properly cared for, "'and this good fellow will drive her there instantly.' "'Sir Norman backed this insinuation "'by putting a broad gold piece into the driver's hand, "'which instantly produced a magical effect "'on his rather surly countenance. "'Certainly so he began, springing into his seat "'with alacrity, where shall I drive the young lady, too? "'Follow me,' said Sir Norman. "'Come along, Armiston, and, seizing his friend by the arm, "'he hurried along with a velocity rather uncomfortable, "'considering they both wore cloaks "'and the knight was excessively sultry. "'The gloomy vehicle and its fainting burden "'followed close behind. "'What do you mean to do with her?' asked Armiston, "'as soon as he found breath enough to speak. "'Haven't I told you?' said Sir Norman, "'impatiently. "'Take her home, of course. "'And after that, go for a doctor. "'And after that, take care of her till she gets well. "'And after that, why, find out her history "'and all about her. "'And after that, after that, after that, "'how do I know what after that?' exclaimed Sir Norman, "'rather fiercely. "'Armiston, what do you mean?' Armiston laughed. "'And after that, you'll marry her, I suppose. "'Perhaps I may, if she will have me. "'And what if I do? "'Oh, nothing. "'Only it struck me you may be saving another man's wife.' "'That's true,' said Sir Norman, in a subdued tone. "'And if set should unhappily be the case. "'Nothing will remain but to live in hopes "'that he may be carried off by the plague. "'Pray, Heaven, that we may not be carried off.' "'By it ourselves,' said Armiston, with a slight shudder. "'I shall dream of nothing but that horrible "'plague pit for a week. "'If it were not for La Masque, "'I would not stay another hour in this pest-stricken "'city.' "'Here we are,' was Sir Norman's rather "'inapposite answer as they entered Piccadilly "'and stopped before a large handsome house, "'whose gloomy portal was faintly illuminated "'by a large lamp. "'Here, my man, just carry the lady in.' "'He unlocked the door as he spoke "'and led the way across the long hall "'to a sleeping chamber, elegantly fitted up. "'The man placed the body on the bed "'and departed while Sir Norman, "'seizing a handbell, rang appeal "'that brought a staid-looking housekeeper "'to the scene directly. "'Seeing a lady, young and beautiful, in bride's robes, "'lying apparently dead on her young master's bed "'at that hour of the night, "'the discrete matron over whose "'virtuous head, fifty years "'and a snow-white cap had passed, "'started back with a slight scream. "'Gracious me, Sir Norman, "'what on earth is the meaning of this? "'My dear Mrs. Preston,' began Sir Norman blandly. "'This young lady is ill of the plague, "'but all further explanation was cut short "'by a horrified shriek from the old lady "'and a precipitate rush from the room. "'Downstairs she flew, informing the other servants "'as she went, between her screams "'and when Sir Norman, in a violent rage, "'went in search of her five minutes after. "'He found not only the kitchen, "'but the whole house deserted.' "'Well,' said Armiston, "'as Sir Norman strode back, "'looking fiery hot and savagely angry. "'Well, they have all fled, "'every man and woman of them, "'the Sir Norman ground out "'as something not quite proper behind his mustache. "'I shall have to go for the doctor myself. "'Dr. Forbes is a friend of mine "'and lives near, and you, looking at him rather doubtfully, "'would do mine staying here, "'less she should recover consciousness before I return? "'To tell you the truth,' said Armiston, "'without charming frankness, I should. "'The lady is extremely beautiful, I must own, "'but she looks uncomfortably corpse-like "'at this present moment. "'I do not wish to die of the plague either "'until I see La Masque once more. "'And so, if it is all the same to you, my dear friend, "'I will have the greatest pleasure "'in stepping round with you to the doctors. "'Sir Norman, though he did not much, "'approve of this, could not very well object, "'on the two sally forth together. "'Walking a short distance up Piccadilly, "'they struck off into a by-street "'and soon reached the house they were in search of. "'Sir Norman knocked loudly at the door, "'which was opened by the doctor himself. "'Briefly and rapidly, Sir Norman informed him "'how and where his services were required. "'And the doctor, being always provided "'with everything necessary for such cases, "'set out with him immediately. "'Fifteen minutes after leaving his own house, "'Sir Norman was back there again "'and standing in his own chamber. "'But a simultaneous exclamation of amazement "'and consternation broke from him and Armiston "'as, on entering the room, "'they found the bed empty and the lady gone. "'A dead pause followed, "'during which the three looked blankly at the bed "'and then at each other. "'Does seeing, no doubt, "'would have been ludicrous enough to a third party. "'But neither of our trio could see anything "'whatever to laugh at. "'Armiston was the first to speak. "'What, in heaven's name has happened,' "'he wonderingly exclaimed. "'Someone has been here, "'since of Norman turning very pale "'and carried her off while we were gone. "'Let us search the house,' said the doctor. "'You should have locked your door, Sir Norman, "'but it may not be too late yet. "'Acting on the hint, Sir Norman sees the lamp "'burning on the table and started on the search. "'His two friends followed him "'and the highest, the lowest, the loveliest spot "'they searched for the lady and found her not. "'No, there was not the slightest trace "'of robbers or intruders. "'Neither was there the slightest trace "'of the beautiful plague patient. "'Everything in the house was precisely as it always was, "'but the silver-shining vision was gone.' "'End of Chapter Two.'" Chapter Three of the Midnight Queen. This is in LibriWalk's recording. All LibriWalk's recordings are in the public domain. For more information on to volunteer, please visit LibriWalks.org. Recording by Chessie, the Midnight Queen by May Agnes Fleming, Chapter Three. The Court Page. The search was given over at last in despair and the doctor took his head and disappeared. Sir Norman and Ormiston stopped in the lower hall and looked at each other in mute amaze. "'What can it all mean?' asked Ormiston, "'appealing more to society at large "'than to his bewildered companion. "'I haven't defamed his idea,' said Sir Norman distractedly. "'Only, I am pretty certain if I don't find her, "'I shall do something so desperate "'that the plague will be a trifle compared to it.' "'It seems almost impossible "'that she can have been carried off, doesn't it?' "'If she has,' exclaimed Sir Norman, "'and I find out the abductor, "'he won't have a whole bone in his body two minutes after. "'And yet, more impossible "'that she can have gone off herself, "'pursued Ormiston with the air of one, "'entering upon an abstruse subject "'and taking no heed whatever of his companion's marginal notes. "'Gone off herself? "'Is the man crazy?' inquired Sir Norman with a stare. "'Fifteen minutes before we left her dead "'or in the dead's ruin, which is all the same in Greek. "'And yet, he talks of her getting up "'and going off herself. "'In fact, the only way to get at the bottom of the mystery, "'sit Ormiston, is to go in search of her. "'Sleeping, I suppose, is out of the question. "'Of course it is! "'I shall never sleep again till I find her.' "'They passed out, and Sir Norman this time "'took the precaution of turning the key, "'thereby fulfilling the adage of locking the stable door "'when the steed was stolen. "'The night had grown darker and hotter, "'and as they walked along, the clock of St. Paul told nine. "'And now, where shall we go?' inquired Sir Norman "'as they rapidly hurried on. "'I should recommand visiting the house we found her first. "'If not there, then we can try the past house.' Sir Norman shuddered. "'Heaven for fan she should be there. "'It is the most mysterious thing ever I heard of. "'What do you think now of La Masque's prediction? "'There you doubt still.' "'Ormiston, I don't know what to think. "'It is the same face I saw and yet.' "'Well, and yet? "'I can't tell you. "'I am fairly bewildered. "'If we don't find a lady in her own house, "'I have half a mind to apply to your friend La Masque again.' "'The wisest thing you could do, my dear fellow. "'If anyone knows your unfortunate beloved's whereabouts, "'it is La Masque, depend upon it. "'Let's settle, then. "'And now, don't talk. "'For a conversation at this smart pace I don't admire.' "'Ormiston, like the amiable, obedient young man that he was, "'incidentally held his tongue, "'and they strode along at the breathless pace. "'There was an unusual concourse of man abroad that night, "'watching the gloomy face of the sky "'and waiting the hour of midnight to kindle the myriad of fires. "'And as the two tall, dark figures went rapidly by, "'also posted to be a case of life or death. "'In the eyes of one of the party, perhaps it was. "'And neither halted, till they came once more inside of the house, "'whence a short time previously they had carried the death coat bright. "'A row of lamps over the door-portals "'shed a yellow, uncertain light around, "'while the lights of barges and warries "'were so like stars along the river. "'There is the house,' cried Ormiston, "'and both paused to take breath. "'And I am about at the last gasp. "'I wonder if your pretty mistress would feel grateful "'if she knew what I have come through tonight "'for her sweet sake.' "'There are no lights,' said Sir Norman, "'glancing anxiously up at the dark in front of the house. "'Even the link before the door is unlit. "'Surely she cannot be there. "'That remains to be seen, "'though I'm very doubtful about it myself. "'Ah, who hath we here?' "'The door of the house in question opened as he spoke, "'and the figure, a man's figure, "'wearing a slouched hat and a long dark cloak "'came slowly out. "'He stopped before the house and looked at it long and earnestly, "'and by the twinkling light of the lamps "'the friends saw enough of him to know he was young "'and distinguished-looking. "'I should not wonder in the least if that were the bridegroom,' whispered Ormiston maliciously. "'Sir Norman turned pale with jealousy "'and laid his hand on his sword "'with a quick and natural impulse "'to make the bride a widow fought with. "'But he checked the desire for an instant "'as the brigundish-looking gentleman, "'after a prolonged stare at the premises, "'stepped up to the watchman "'who had given them their information an hour or two before "'and who was still at his post. "'The friends could not be seen, but they could hear, "'and they did so very earnestly indeed. "'Can you tell me, my friend?' began the cloak, unknown. "'What has become of the people residing in Yonder House?' "'The watchman held his lamp up to the face of the interlocutor, "'a handsome face, by the way, what could be seen of it, "'and indulged himself in a prolonged stare. "'Well,' said the gentleman impatiently, "'have you no tongue, fellow? Where are they, I say?' "'Blessed if I know,' said the watchman, "'I wasn't said here to keep guard over them, was I? "'It looks like it, though,' said the man in parentheses. "'For this makes twice to-night I've been asked questions about it. "'Ah,' said the gentleman with a slight start, "'who asked you before, pray? "'Two young gentlemen, lords I expect by their dress, "'somebody ran screaming out of the house "'and they wanted to know what was wrong. "'Well,' said the stranger breathlessly, "'and then?' "'And then, as I couldn't tell them, "'they went in to see for themselves, "'and shortly after came out with a body wrapped in a sheet, "'which they put in a pest-cart going by "'and had it buried, I suppose, with the rest in a plague-pit. "'The stranger fairly staggered back "'and caught at the pillar near for support. "'For nearly ten minutes he stood perfectly motionless, "'and then, without a word, "'started up and walked rapidly away. "'The friends looked after him curiously till he was out of sight. "'So she's not there,' said Ormiston, "'and our mysterious friend in a cloak "'is as much at the loss as we are ourselves. "'Where shall we go next? "'To La Masque or the Pest House?' "'To La Masque, I hate the idea of the Pest House. "'She may be there nevertheless, "'and under present circumstances it is the best place for her. "'Don't talk of it,' said the Norman impatiently. "'I do not and will not believe she is there. "'If the sorceress shows her to me in the cauldron again, "'I very well believe I shall jump in head foremost. "'And I very well believe we will not find La Masque at home. "'She wanders through the streets at all hours, "'but particularly affects the night. "'We shall try, however, come along.' "'The house of the sorceress was but a short distance "'from that of Sir Norman's plague-stricken lady-loves, "'and short with a sort of seven-league boots, "'they soon reached it. "'Like the other, it was all dark and deserted. "'This is the home,' said Ormiston, looking at it doubtfully. "'But where is La Masque?' "'Here,' said the silvery voice at his elbow, "'and turning round, they saw a tall slender figure, "'cloaked, hooded, and masked. "'Surely you two do not want me again tonight. "'Both gentlemen doft their plumed hats and simultaneously bowed. "'Fortune favours us,' said Sir Norman. "'Yes, madam, it is even so. "'Once again tonight we will tax your skill.' "'Well, what do you wish to know?' "'Madam, we are in the street. "'Sir, I'm aware of that. "'Pray proceed. "'Will you not have the goodness to permit us to enter?' "'said Sir Norman, inclined to feel offended. "'How can you tell us what we wish to know here?' "'That is my secret,' said the sweet voice. "'Probably Sir Norman Kingsley wishes to know something "'of the fair lady I showed him some time ago. "'Madam, you've guessed it. "'It is for that purpose I have sought you now.' "'Then you have seen her already?' "'I have. "'And, lover, with all my heart.' "'A rapid flame,' said the musical voice, "'in a tone that had just a thought of sarcasm, "'for one of whose very existence "'you did not dream two hours ago.' "'Madam Lamar,' said Norman, flushed and haughty. "'Love is not a question of time.' "'Sir Norman Kingsley,' said the lady, somewhat sadly, "'I am aware of that. "'Tell me what you wish to know, "'and if it be in my power, you shall know it.' "'A thousand thanks. "'Tell me, then, is she whom I seek living or dead?' "'She's alive.' "'She has to plague,' said Sir Norman. "'I know it.' "'Will she recover?' "'She will. "'Where is she now?' "'La Masque hesitated and seemed uncertain "'whether or not to reply. "'Sir Norman passionately broke in. "'Tell me, madam, for I must know.' "'Then you shall. "'But remember, if you get into danger, "'you must not blame me.' "'Blam you?' "'No, I think I would hardly do that. "'Where am I to seek for her?' "'Two miles from London beyond Newgate, "'said the Masque. "'There stand the ruins of what was long ago a hunting lodge, "'now a crumbling skeleton, ruthless and windowless "'and sad, by rumor, to be haunted. "'Perhaps you have seen or heard of it?' "'I have seen it a hundred times,' "'broken Sir Norman. "'Surely you do not mean to say she is there. "'Go there and you will see. "'Go there to night and lose no time. "'That is, supposing you can procure a license. "'I have one already. "'I have a pass from the Lord Mayor "'to come and go from the city when I please. "'Good, then you'll go to night. "'I will go. "'I might as well do that as anything else, I suppose. "'But it is quite impossible,' "'said Sir Norman firmly, not to say obstinately, "'that she can be there. "'Very well, you'll see. "'You had better go on horseback "'if you decided to be back in time "'to witness the illumination. "'I don't particularly desire to see the illumination "'as I know of, but I will ride nevertheless. "'What am I to do when I get there?' "'You will enter the ruins "'and go on till you discover a spiral staircase "'leading to what was once the walls. "'The flags of these walls are loose from age, "'and if you should decide to remove any of them, "'you will probably not find it an impossibility. "'Why should I decide to remove them?' "'asked Sir Norman, who felt dubious and disappointed "'and inclined to be dog-medical. "'Why, you may see a glimmering of light, "'hear strange noises, "'and if you remove the stones, "'may possibly see strange sights. "'As I told you before, it is rumored to be haunted, "'which is true enough, "'though not in the way they suspect, "'and so the fools and the common-herds stay away. "'And if I am discovered peeping like a rascally wellet, "'what will be the consequences? "'Very unpleasant ones to you, "'but you need not be discovered if you take care. "'Ah, look there!' "'She pointed to the river, and both her companions looked. "'A barge gaily painted and gilded "'with a light in prow and stern "'came gliding up among less pretentious craft "'and stopped at the foot of a flight of stairs "'leading to the bridge. "'It contained four persons, "'the oarsman, two cavaliers sitting in the stern, "'and a lad in the rich livery of a court-page, "'in the act of springing out. "'Nothing very wonderful in all this, "'and Sonorman and Ormiston looked at her for an explanation. "'Do you know those two gentlemen?' she asked. "'Certainly,' replied Sonorman promptly, "'one is the Duke of York, the other the Earl of Rochester. "'And that page, to which of them does he belong? "'The page,' said Sonorman with a stare "'as he leaned forward to look. "'Pray, madam, what has the page to do with it? "'Look and see.' "'The two peers had ascended the stairs "'and were already on the bridge. "'The page loitered behind, talking, as it seemed, "'to the water-man. "'He wears the livery of the Earl of Rochester,' "'said Ormiston, speaking for the first time. "'But I cannot see his face. "'He will follow presently and be sure you see it then. "'Possibly you may not find it entirely new to you.' "'She drew back into the shadow as she spoke, "'and the two nobles, as they advanced, "'talking earnestly, beheld Sonorman and Ormiston. "'Both raised their heads with a look of recognition "'and the salute was courteously returned by the others. "'Good night, gentlemen,' said Lord Rochester. "'A hot evening, is it not? "'Have you come here to witness the illumination?' "'Hardly,' said Sonorman, "'we have come for a very different purpose, my lord. "'The fires will have one good effect,' said Ormiston, laughing, "'if they clear the air and drive away the stifling atmosphere. "'Pray God they drive away the plague,' said the yoke of York, "'as he and his companion passed from you. "'The page sprang up the stairs after them, "'humming as he came, one of his master's loft ditties. "'Songs, self-tradition, savoring anything, "'but the odor of sanctity.' "'With the warning of Lamar's fresh in their mind, "'both looked at him earnestly. "'His gay livery was that of Lord Rochester "'and became his graceful figure well "'as he marched along with a jaunty swagger, "'one hand on his aid and the other toying "'with a beautiful little spanier "'that frisked an open violation of the Lord Mayor's orders, "'commanding all dogs, great and small, "'to be put to death as propagators of the pestilence. "'In passing the lad turned his face toward them for a moment. "'A bright, saucy, handsome face it was, "'and the next instant he went round an angle and disappeared. "'All mistons suppressed an oath. "'Sir Norman stifled a cry of amazement "'for both recognized that beautiful, colorless face, "'those perfect features and great, black, lustrous eyes. "'It was the face of the lady they had saved from the plague pit. "'Am I sane or mad?' inquired Sir Norman, "'looking helplessly about him for information. "'Surely that is she we are in search of. "'It certainly is, Sir Dormiston. "'Where are the wonders of this night to end? "'Satan and Lamar's only know, "'for they both seem to have united to drive me mad. "'Where is she?' "'Where indeed, Sir Dormiston? "'Where is last year's snow?' "'And Sir Norman, looking round at the spot "'where she had stood a moment before, "'found that she too had disappeared.' "'End of chapter three.' Chapter four of The Midnight Queen This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Rain. The Midnight Queen by May Agnes Fleming. Chapter four, The Stranger. The two friends looked at each other in impressive silence for a moment and spake never a word. Not that they were astonished. They were long past the power of that emotion, and if a cloud had dropped from the sky at their feet, they would probably have looked at it passively and vaguely wonder if the rest would follow. Sir Norman especially had sank into a state of mind that words are faint and feeble to describe. Ormiston, not being quite so far gone, was the first to open his lips. "'Bond my honour, Sir Norman, "'this is the most astonishing thing ever I heard of. "'That certainly was the face of our half-dead bride. "'What in the name of all the gods can it mean, I wonder?' "'I have given up wondering,' said Sir Norman, "'in the same helpless tone. "'And if the earth was to open and swallow London up, "'I should not be the least surprised. "'One thing is certain, the lady we are seeking "'in that page are one and the same.' "'And yet Lemasque told you she was two miles from the city "'in the haunted ruin, "'and Lemasque most assuredly knows. "'I have no doubt she is there. "'I shall not be the least astonished "'if I find her in every street between this and Newgate.' "'Really, it is a most singular affair. "'First you see her in the magic cauldron, "'then we find her dead. "'Then, within an ace of being buried, she comes to life. "'Then we leave her lifeless as a marble statue "'shut up in your room, "'and fifteen minutes after, she vanishes, "'as mysteriously as a fairy and a nursery legend. "'And lastly, she turns up in the shape of a court page "'and swagger's along London Bridge at this hour of the night, "'chanting a love song. "'Faith, it would puzzle the Sphinx herself "'to read this riddle, I have a notion. "'I, for one, shall never try to read it,' said Sir Norman. "'I am about tired of this labyrinth of mysteries, "'and shall save time in Lemasque "'to unravel them at their leisure. "'Then you mean to give up the pursuit?' "'Not exactly. "'I love this mysterious beauty too well to do that. "'And when next I find her, be it where it may, "'I shall take care she does not slip so easily "'through my fingers.' "'I cannot forget that page,' said Ormiston musingly. "'It is singular, since he wears the Earl "'of Rochester's livery, "'that we have never seen him before among his followers. "'Are you quite sure, Sir Norman, that you have not? "'Seen him? Don't be absurd, Ormiston. "'Do you think I could ever forget such a face as that? "'It would not be easy, I confess. "'One does not see such every day. "'And yet, and yet it is most extraordinary. "'I shall ask Rochester about him the first thing tomorrow, "'unless he is an optical illusion, "'which I vow I have to believe is the case, "'I will come at the truth "'in spite of your demonic friend, Lemasque. "'Then you do not mean to look for him tonight? "'Look for him? "'I might as well look for a needle in a haystack. "'No, I have promised Lemasque to visit the old ruins, "'and there I shall go forthwith. "'Will you accompany me?' "'I think not. "'I have a word to say to Lemasque, "'and you and she kept talking so busily "'I had no chance to put it in.' Sir Norman laughed. "'Besides I have no doubt it is a word "'you would not like to utter "'in the presence of a third party, "'even though that third party "'be your friend in Pytheus Kingsley. "'Do you mean to stay here like a plague-setting on "'till she returns?' "'Possibly. "'Or if I get tired I may set out in search of her. "'When do you return?' "'The fates that seem to make a football "'of my best affections "'and kick them as they please only know. "'If nothing happens, "'which being interpreted means "'if I am still in the land of the living, "'I shall surely be back by daybreak. "'And I shall be anxious about that time "'to hear the result of your night's adventure, "'so where shall we meet? "'Why not here? It is as good a place as any. "'With all my heart, "'where do you propose getting a horse?' "'At the king's arms, but a stone's throw from here. "'Farewell.' "'Good night, and God speed you,' said Ormiston. "'And wrapping his cloak close about him, "'he leaned against the doorway "'and, watching the dancing lights on the river, "'prepared to await the return of Lemosque. "'With his head full of the adventures "'and misadventures of the night, "'Sir Norman walked thoughtfully on "'until he reached the king's arms, "'a low inn on the bank of the river. "'To his dismay, he found the house shut up "'and bearing the dismal mark "'and inscription of the pestilence. "'While he stood contemplating it in perplexity, "'a watchman, on guard before another plague-stricken house, "'advanced and informed him "'that the whole family had perished of the disease "'and that the landlord himself, the last survivor, "'had been carried off not twenty minutes before "'to the plague pit. "'But,' added the man, seeing Sir Norman's look of annoyance "'and being informed what he wanted, "'there are two or three horses around there in the stable. "'You may as well help yourself, "'for if you don't take them, somebody else will.' "'This philosophic logic struck Sir Norman "'as being so extremely reasonable "'that without more ado, "'he stepped round to the stables "'and selected the best it contained. "'Before proceeding on his journey, "'it occurred to him that, "'having been handling a plague patient, "'it would be a good thing to get his clothes fumigated. "'So he stepped into an apothecary store for that purpose "'and provided himself also with a bottle of aromatic vinegar. "'Thus prepared for the worst, "'Sir Norman sprang on his horse like a second Don Quixote, "'striding his good steed, Rosinanti, "'and sallied forth in quest of adventures. "'These, for a short time, "'were of rather a dismal character, "'for, hearing the noise of a horse's hooves "'in the silent streets at that hour of the night, "'the people opened their doors as he passed by, "'thinking at the pest-cart, "'and brought forth many a miserable victim of the pestilence. "'Averting his head from the revolting spectacles, "'Sir Norman held the bottle of vinegar to his nostrils "'and rode rapidly till he reached Newgate. "'There he was stopped "'until his bill of health was examined, "'and that small manuscript being found all right, "'he was permitted to pass on in peace. "'Everywhere he went, "'the trail of the serpent was visible overall. "'Death and desolation went hand in hand. "'Outside as well as inside the gates, "'great piles of wood and coal were arranged, "'waiting only the midnight hour to be fired. "'Here, however, no one seemed to be stirring, "'and no sound broke the silence "'but the distant rumble of the death-cart "'and the ringing of the driver's bell. "'There were lights in some of the houses, "'but many of them were dark and deserted, "'and nearly every one bore the red cross of the plague. "'It was a gloomy scene and hour, "'and Sir Norman's heart turned sick within him "'as he noticed the ruin and devastation "'the pestilence at everywhere wrought. "'And he remembered, with a shudder, "'the prediction of Lily, the astrologer, "'that the paved streets of London would be like green fields, "'and the living be no longer able to bury the dead. "'Long before this he had grown hardened "'and accustomed to death from its very frequents, "'but now, as he looked round him, "'he almost resolved to ride on "'and return no more to London "'till the plague should have left it. "'But then came the thought of his unknown lady-love, "'and with it the reflection that he was on his way to find her, "'and rousing himself from his melancholy reverie. "'He rode on at a brisker pace, "'heroically resolved to brave the plague "'or any other emergency for her sake. "'Full of this loud-able and lover-like resolution, "'he had got on about half a mile further "'when he was suddenly checked in his rapid career "'by an exciting but in no way surprising little incident. "'During the last few yards, "'Sir Norman had come within sight of another horseman, "'riding on at a rather leisurely pace, "'considering the place and the hour. "'Suddenly three other horsemen came galloping down upon him, "'and the leader, presenting a pistol at his head, "'requested him an ostentorial voice "'for his money or his life. "'By way of reply, "'the stranger instantly produced a pistol of his own, "'and before the astonished highwomen "'could comprehend the possibility of such an act, "'discharged it full in his face. "'With a loud yell, the robber reeled and fell from his saddle, "'and in the twinkling both his companions "'fired their pistols at the traveler "'and bore with a simultaneous cry of rage down upon him. "'Neither of the shots had taken effect, "'but the two enraged highwomen "'would have made short work of their victim, "'had not Sir Norman, like a true knight, "'ridden to the rescue. "'Drawing his sword with one vigorous blow "'he placed another of the assassins, R. Decombeba, "'and delighted with the idea of a fight "'to stir his stagnant blood, "'was turning like a second St. George at the Dragon "'abond the other, when that individual, "'thinking discretion, the better part of Valor, "'instantaneously turned tail and fled. "'The whole brisk little episode had not occupied five minutes, "'and Sir Norman was scarcely aware the fight had began "'before it had triumphantly ended. "'Short, sharp, and decisive, "'was the stranger's cool criticism, "'as he deliberately wiped his bloodstain's sword "'and placed it in a velvet scabbard. "'Our friends there got more than they bargained for, I fancy. "'Though but for you, sir,' he said, "'politely raising his hat and bowing, "'I should probably have been ere this in heaven, "'or the other place.' "'Sir Norman, deeply edified by the easy "'somme-fraud of the speaker, "'turned to take a second look at him. "'There was very little light, "'for the night had grown darker as it wore on, "'and the few stars that had glimmered faintly "'had hid their diminished heads "'behind the piles of inky clouds. "'Still, there was a sort of faint, "'phosphorescent light whitening the gloom, "'and by it, Sir Norman's keen, bright eyes "'discovered that he wore a long, dark cloak "'and slouched hat. "'He discovered something else, too, "'that he had seen that hat and cloak "'and the man inside of them on London Bridge, "'not an hour before.' "'It struck, Sir Norman, there was a sort of fatality "'in their meeting, and his pulse as quick in the trifle, "'as he thought that he might be speaking to the husband "'of the lady for whom he had so suddenly conceived "'such a rash and inordinate attachment. "'That personage, meantime, having reloaded his pistol, "'with a self-possession refreshing to witness, "'replaced it in his doublet, gathered up the reins, "'and, glancing slightly at his companion, spoke again. "'I should thank you for saving my life, I suppose, "'but thanking people is so little in my line "'that I scarcely know how to set about it. "'Perhaps, my dear Sir, you will take the will for the deed.' "'An original this,' thought Sir Norman, whoever he is, "'then allowed, "'pray don't trouble yourself about thanks, Sir, "'I should have done precisely the same for the highwaymen, "'had you been three to one over them. "'I don't doubt it in the least, "'nevertheless I feel grateful, "'for you have saved my life all the same, "'and you have never seen me before. "'There you are mistaken,' said Sir Norman quietly. "'I had the pleasure of seeing you scarce an hour ago. "'Ah!' said the stranger, in an altered tone. "'And where?' "'On London Bridge. "'I did not see you. "'Very likely, but I was there, none the less. "'Do you know me?' said the stranger, "'and Sir Norman could see he was gazing at him sharply "'from under the shadow of his slouched hat. "'I have not that honour, but I hope to do so before we part. "'It was quite dark when you saw me on the bridge. "'How comes it, then, that you recollect me so well? "'I have always been blessed with an excellent memory,' said Sir Norman carelessly, "'and I knew your dress, face, and voice instantly. "'My voice? "'Then you heard me speak, "'probably to the watchman guarding a plague-stricken house?' "'Exactly. "'And the subject being a very interesting one, "'I listened to all you said.' "'Indeed, and what possible interest "'could the subject have for you, may I ask?' "'A deeper one, then, you think,' said Sir Norman, "'with a slight tremor in his voice as he thought of the lady. "'The watchman told you the lady you sought for "'had been carried away dead and thrown into the plague-pit. "'Well,' cried the stranger, starting violently, "'and was it not true?' "'Only partly. "'She was carried away in the pest-cart, sure enough, "'but she was not thrown into the plague-pit. "'And why?' "'Because, when on reaching that horrible spot, "'she was found to be alive. "'Good Heaven! And what then?' "'Then,' exclaimed Sir Norman, "'in a tone almost as excited as his own. "'She was brought to the house of a friend "'and left alone for a few minutes "'while that friend went in search of a doctor. "'On returning they found her. "'Where do you think?' "'Where?' "'Gone,' said Sir Norman emphatically, "'spared it away by some mysterious agency, "'for she was dying of the plague "'and could not possibly stir hand or foot herself. "'Dying of the plague? "'Oh, Leolene,' said the stranger, "'in a voice full of pity and horror "'while for a moment he covered his face with his hands. "'So her name is Leolene,' said Sir Norman to himself. "'I have found that out, and also that this gentleman, "'whatever he may be to her, "'is as ignorant of her whereabouts as I am myself. "'He seems in trouble, too. "'I wonder if he really happens to be her husband.' "'The stranger suddenly lifted his head "'and favored Sir Norman with a long and searching look. "'How come you to know all this, Sir Norman Kingsley?' "'He asked abruptly. "'And how come you to know my name?' "'demanded Sir Norman, very much amazed, "'notwithstanding his assertion "'that nothing would astonish him more. "'That is of no consequence. "'Tell me how you've learned all this,' "'repeated the stranger in a tone of almost stern authority. "'Sir Norman started and stared. "'That voice, I have heard it a thousand times. "'It had evidently been disguised before, "'but now in the excitement of the moment "'the stranger was thrown off his guard "'and it became perfectly familiar. "'But where had he heard it? "'For the life of him Sir Norman could not tell, "'yet it was as well known to him as his own. "'It had the tone, too, of one far more used "'to command than in treaty. "'And Sir Norman, instead of getting angry, "'as he felt he ought to have done, "'mechanically answered. "'The Watchman told you of the two young men "'who brought her out and later in the dead cart? "'I was one of the two. "'And who was the other? "'A friend of mine, one Malcolm Ormiston. "'Ah, I know him. "'Pardon my abruptness, Sir Norman,' said the stranger, "'once more speaking in his assumed suave tone. "'But I feel deeply on this subject "'and was excited at the moment. "'You spoke of her being brought to the house of a friend. "'Now who may that friend be, "'for I was not aware that she had any?' "'So I judged,' said Sir Norman rather bitterly, "'or she would not have been left to die alone of the plague. "'She was brought to my house, Sir, "'and I am the friend who would have stood by her to the last. "'Sir Norman sat up very straight and haughty on his horse, "'and had it been daylight, "'he would have seen a slight derisive smile "'pass over the lips of his companion. "'I have always heard that Sir Norman Kingsley "'was a chivalrous knight,' he said, "'but I scarcely dreamed his gallantry would have carried him "'so far as to brave death by the pestilence "'for the sake of an unknown lady, however beautiful. "'I wonder you did not carry her to the pest house. "'No doubt, those who could desert her at such a time "'would probably be capable of that or any other baseness. "'My good friend,' said the stranger calmly, "'your insinuation is not over-curdious, but I can forgive it, "'more for the sake of what you've done for her tonight "'than for myself.' Sir Norman's lip curled, "'I'm obliged to you, and now, sir, "'as you have seen fit to question me in this free and easy manner, "'will you pardon me if I take the liberty "'of returning the compliment and ask you if you in return?' "'Certainly, pray precede, Sir Norman,' said the stranger, blandly. "'You are at liberty to ask as many questions as you please, "'so am I to answer them. "'I answered all yours unhesitatingly, "'and you owe it to me to do the same,' said Sir Norman, somewhat haughtily. "'In the first place, you have an advantage of me "'which I neither understand nor relish. "'So to place us on equal terms, "'will you have the goodness to tell me your name?' "'Most assuredly, my name,' said the stranger, "'with glib airiness, is Count Litonge.' "'A name unknown to me,' said Sir Norman, "'with a piercing look, and equally unknown, "'I believe at Whitehall. "'There is a Lord Litonge in London, "'yet you and he are certainly not one and the same.' "'My friend does not believe me,' said the Count, almost gaily. "'A circumstance I regret but cannot help. "'Is there anything else Sir Norman wishes to know?' "'If you do not answer my questions truthfully, "'there is little use in my asking them,' said Sir Norman, bluntly. "'Do you mean to say you are a foreigner?' "'Sir Norman Kingsley is at perfect liberty to answer "'that question as he pleases,' replied the stranger, "'with most provoking indifference. "'Sir Norman's eye flashed, and his hand fell on his sword. "'But, reflecting that the Count might find it inconvenient "'to answer any more questions if he ran him through, "'he restrained himself, and went on. "'Sir, you are impertinent, "'but that is of no consequence just now. "'Who was that lady? "'What was her name?' "'Leolene.' "'Was she your wife?' "'The stranger paused for a moment, "'as if reflecting whether she was or not, "'and then said, meditatively, "'No, I don't know as she was. "'On the whole, I am pretty sure she was not.' "'Sir Norman felt as if a ton weight "'had been suddenly hoisted from the region of his heart. "'Was she anybody else's wife?' "'I think not. "'I'm inclined to think that, except myself, "'she did not know another man in London. "'Then why was she dressed as a bride?' "'inquired Sir Norman, rather mystified. "'Was she my poor Leolene?' "'said the stranger sadly, "'because he hesitated. "'Because, in short, Sir Norman,' "'said the stranger decidedly, "'I decline answering any more questions. "'I shall find out for all that,' said Sir Norman. "'And here I shall bid you good night, "'for this by-path leads to my destination. "'Good night,' said the stranger, "'and be careful, Sir Norman. "'Remember, the plague is abroad.' "'And so are highwaymen,' called Sir Norman "'after him a little maliciously, "'but a careless laugh from the stranger "'was the only reply as he galloped away.' End of CHAPTER IV CHAPTER V OF THE MIDNIGHT QUEEN This is a LibriWalk's recording. All LibriWalk's recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriWalks.org. Recording by Chassie, The Midnight Queen by May Agnes Fleming, Chapter V, The Dwarf and the Ruin. The by-path down which Sir Norman rode led to an inn, the Golden Crown, about a quarter of a mile from the Ruin. Not wishing to take his horse, lest it should lead to discovery, he proposed leaving it here till his return. And with this intention and the strong desire for a glass of wine, for the heat and his ride made him extremely thirsty, he dismounted at the door and consigning the animal to the care of a hostler, he entered the bar room. It was not the most inviting place in the world, this same bar room, being ill-lighted, dim with tobacco smoke, and pervaded by a strong, spiritual descents of stronger drinks than mold or cold water. A number of men were loitering about, smoking, drinking and discussing the all-absorbing topic of the plague and the fires that might be kindled. There was a moment's pause as Sir Norman entered, took a seat and called for a glass of sake, and then the conversation went on as before. The landlord hastened to supply his wands by placing a glass and a bottle of wine before him, and Sir Norman fell to helping himself and to ruminating deeply on the events of the night. Rather melancholy these ruminations were, though to do the young gentleman justice, sentimental melancholy was not at all in his line. But then you were pleased to recollect he was in love, and when people come to that state, they are no longer to be held responsible either for their thoughts or actions. It is true his attack had been a rapid one, but it was no less severe for that. And if any evil-minded critic is disposed to sneer at the suddenness of his disorder, I have only to say that I know from observation, not to speak of experience, that love at first sight is a lamentable fact and no move. Love is not a plan that requires time to flourish, but is quite capable of springing up like the gourd of Jonah, full-grown in a moment. Our young friend Sir Norman had not been aware of the existence of the object of his affections for a much longer space than two hours in the half. Yet he had already got to such a pitch that if he did not speedily find her, he felt he would do something so desperate as to shake society to its utmost foundations. The very mystery of the affair spurred him on, and the romantic way in which she had been found, saved and disappeared, through such a halo of interest round her that he was inclined to think sometimes she was nothing but a shining vision from another world. Those dark, splendid eyes, that lovely marble-like face, those wavy, ebbing tracers, that exquisitely exquisite figure. Yes, he felt they were all a great deal too perfect for this imperfect and wicked world. Sir Norman was in a very bad way beyond doubt, but no worse than millions of young men before and after him. And he heaved a great many profound sighs and drank a great many glasses of sake and came to the sorrowful conclusion that Dame Fortune was a malicious jade, inclined to poke fun at his best affections and make a shuttlecock of his heart for the rest of his life. He thought too of countly troche, and the longer he thought, the more he became convinced that he knew him well and had met him often. But where? He wrecked his brain until, between love, Leo Lin and the Count, he got that delicate organ into such a maze of bewilderment and distraction that he felt he would be a case of congestion shortly if he did not give it up. That the Count's voice was not the only thing about him assumed, he was positive. And he mentally called over the master role of his past friends, who spent half their time at Whitehall, and the other half going through the streets, making love to the honest citizens, pretty wives and daughters. But none of them answered to countly troche. He could scarcely be a foreigner, he spoke English with too perfect an accent to be that, and then he knew him, Sir Norman, as if he had been his brother. In short, there was no use driving himself insane, trying to read so unreadable a riddle, and inwardly consigning the mysterious count to old Nick, he swallowed another glass of sac and quit thinking about him. So absorbed had Sir Norman been in his own mournful musings, that he paid no attention whatever to those around him, and had nearly forgotten their very presence, when one of them, with a loud cry, sprang to his feet and then fell writhing to the floor. The others in dismay gathered about him, but the next instant fell back with a cry of, he has the plague! At that dreaded announcement, half of them scampered off incontinently, and the other half, with the landlord at their head, lifted the sufferer whose groans and cries were hard rendering and carried him out of the house. Sir Norman, rather dismayed himself, had risen to his feet, fully aroused from his reverie and found himself and another individual, sole possessors of the premises. His companion he could not very well make out, for he was sitting, or rather crouching, in a remote and shadowy corner, where nothing was clearly visible, but the glare of a pair of fiery eyes. There was a great redundancy of hair too about his head and face, indeed considerable more about the letter than there seemed any real necessity for, and even with the imperfect glimpse he caught of him, the young man set him down in his own mind, as about as hard looking a customer as he had ever seen. The fiery eyes were glaring upon him like those of a tiger, through a jungle of bushy hair, but their owners spoke never a word, though the others stepped back with compound interest. There they said, beaming upon each other, one fiercely, the other curiously, until the reappearance of the landlord with a very lugubrious and woe-begone countenance. It struck Sir Norman that it was about time to start for the ruin, and with an eye to business, he turned to cross-examine the host at trifle. What have they done with that man, he asked by way of preface. Sent him to the past house, replied the landlord, resting his elbows on the counter and his chin in his hands, and staring dismally at the opposite wall. Ah, Lord have mercy on us, these be dreadful times. Dreadful enough, said Sir Norman, sighing deeply as he thought of his beautiful leolin, a victim of the merciless pestilence. Have there been many deaths here after this temper? Twenty-five today, groaned the man. Lord, what will become of us? You seem rather disheartened, said Sir Norman, pouring out a glass of wine and handing it to him. Just bring this and don't borrow trouble. They say Sack is assured specific against the plague. The host drained the bumper and wiped his mouth with another hollow groan. If I thought that, Sir, I'd not be sober from one week's end to the other, but I know well enough I will be in the plague pit in less than a week. Oh, Lord, have mercy on us. Amen, said Sir Norman impatiently. If fear has not taken away your wits, my good sir, will you tell me what old ruin that is I saw a little above here as I rode up? The man started from his trance of terror and glanced, first at the fiery ice in the corner and then at Sir Norman in evident trepidation of the question. That ruin, sir? You must be a stranger in this place, surely, or you would not need to ask that question. Well, suppose I am a stranger. What then? Nothing, sir. Only I thought everybody knew everything about that ruin. But I do not, you see. So fill your glass again and while you are drinking it, just tell me what that everything comprises. Again the landlord glanced fearfully at the fiery ice in the corner and again hesitated. Well, exclaimed Sir Norman, at once surprised and impatient at his tess eternity. Can't you speak, man? I want you to tell me all about it. There is nothing to tell, sir, replied the host, gauded to desperation. It is an old, deserted ruin that's been here ever since I remember and that's all I know about it. While he spoke, the crouching shape in the corner reared itself upright and keeping his fiery ice still glaring upon Sir Norman, advanced into the light. Our young knight was in the act of raising his glass to his lips. But as the apparition approached, he laid it down again untasted and stared at it in a wildest surprise and intense curiosity. Truly it was a singular looking creature, not to say a rather startling one. A dwarf of some four feet high and at least five feet broad across the shoulders with immense arms and head, a giant in everything but height. His immense skull was set on such a trifle of a neck as to be scarcely worth mentioning and was garnished by a violent met of course black hair which also overran the territory of his cheeks and chin, leaving no neutral ground but his two fiery eyes and the broken nose all twisted awry. On a pair of short stout legs, he wore immense check boots. His herculean shoulders and chest were adorned with a leather and doublet and in the belt round his waist were conspicuously stuck a pair of pistols and a dagger. Altogether, a more ugly or sinister gentleman of his inches, it would have been hard to find in all broad England. Stopping deliberately before Sir Norman, he placed a hand on each hip and in a deep guttural voice addressed him. So Sir Knight, for such I perceive you are, you are anxious to know something of that old ruin yonder. Well, said Sir Norman, so far recovering from his surprise as to be able to speak. Suppose I am, have you anything to say against it, my little friend? Oh, not in the least, said the dwarf with a horse chuckle. Only instead of wasting your breath asking this good man who professes such utter ignorance, you had better apply to me for information. Against Sir Norman's await a little hercules from head to foot for a moment. In silence, as one nowadays would an intelligent gorilla. You think so, do you? And what may you happen to know about it, my pretty little friend? Oh Lord, exclaimed the landlord to himself with a frightened face, while the dwarf grinned horribly a ghastly smile from ear to ear. So much, my good sir, that I would strongly advise you not to go near it unless you wish to catch something worse than the plague. There have been others, our worthy host there, whose teeth you may perceive or chattering in his head, can tell you about those that have tried a trick and, well, said Sir Norman curiously, and have never returned to tell what they found. He concluded the little monster with a diabolical ear. And as the landlord fell, gray and gasping, back in his seat, he broke out into a loud and hyena-like laugh. My dear little friend, said Sir Norman, staring at him in this pleased wonder. Don't laugh if you can help it. You are unpreprocessing enough at best, but when you laugh, you look like the very, the downward gesture, himself. Unheeding this advice, the dwarf broke again into an unearthly cacchination that frightened the landlord nearly into fits and seriously discomposed the nervous system even of Sir Norman himself. Then grinning like a baboon and still transfixing our prisoned young knight with the same tiger-like and unpleasant glare, he nodded a farewell. And in this fashion, grinning and nodding and backing, he got to the door and concluding the interesting performance with a third hose and hideous laugh disappeared in the darkness. For fully 10 minutes after he was gone, the young man kept his eyes blankly fixed on the door with a vague impression that he was suffering from an attack of nightmare. For it seemed impossible that anything so preposterously ugly as that dwarf could exist out of one. A deep groan from the landlord, however, convinced him that it was no disagreeable midnight vision but a brawny reality. And turning to that individual, he found him gasping in the last degree of terror behind the counter. Now, who in the name of all the demons out of Hades may that ugly abortion be? And quiet's a nomen. Oh, Lord, be merciful. Sir, it's Caliban and the only wonder is he did not leave you a bleeding corpse at his feet. I should like to see him try it. Perhaps he would have found that is a game too can play it. Where does he come from and who is he? The landlord leaned over the counter and placed a very pale and startled face close to Sir Norman's. That's just what I wanted to tell you, sir, but I was afraid to speak before him. I think he lives up in that same old ruin you were inquiring about. At least he's often seen hanging around there, but people are too much afraid of him to ask him any questions. Ah, sir, it's a strange place that ruin and there be strange stories afloat about it, says the man with a potentious shake of the head. What are they, inquired Sir Norman? I should particularly like to know. Well, sir, for one thing, some folks say it is haunted on account of the queer lights and noises about it sometimes. But again, there be other folks, sir, that say the ghosts are alive and that he, nodding towards the door, is a sort of ringleader among them. And who are they that cut up such cantrips in the old place, pray? Lord only knows, sir, I'm sure I don't. I never go near it myself, but there are others who have and some of them tell of the most beautiful lady, all in white, with long black hair who walks on the battle man's moonlight nights. A beautiful lady, all in white, with long black hair? Why, that description applies to Leo Lin exactly? And Sir Norman gave a wild and start and arose to proceed to the place directly. Don't you go near it, sir, said the host warningly. Others have gone, as he told you, and never come back. For these be dreadful times and man do as they please. Between the plague and their wickedness, the Lord only knows what will become of us. If I should return here for my host in an hour or two, I suppose I can get him, said Sir Norman, as he turned towards the door. It's likely you can, sir, if I'm not dead by that time, said the landlord, as he sank down again, groaning dismally with his chin between his hands. The night was now profoundly dark, but Sir Norman knew the road and ruin well, and drawing his sword, walked resolutely on. The distance between it and the ruin was trifling, and in less than 10 minutes it loomed up before him, a mass of deeper black in the blackness. No white vision floated on the broken battle man's this night, as Sir Norman looked wistfully up at them. But neither was there any ungainly dwarf with two-edged sword guarding the ruined entrance, and Sir Norman passed unmolested in. He saw the spiral staircase which Lamarck had spoken of, and passing carefully from one ancient chamber to another, stumbling over piles of rubbish and stones as he went, he reached it at last. Descending gingerly its torturous steepness, he found himself in the mouldering walls, and as he trod them, his ear was greeted by the sound of faint and far of music. Proceeding farther, he heard distinctly, mingled with it, a murmur of voices and laughter, and through the chinks in the broken flags, he perceived a few faint rays of light. Remembering the directions of Lamarck, and feeling intensely curious, he cautiously knelt down and examined the loose flagstones until he found one he could raise. He pushed it partly aside, and lying flat on the stones, with his face to the aperture, Sir Norman beheld a most wonderful sight. End of chapter five.