conversation with the interesting stranger, and he was promptly
in his place at the table. But she did not appear. The lady with
whom she had been conversing, remarked:

"She was taken suddenly ill, just as you and your friend drove
away this afternoon. Learning from Mr. Burleigh that she is here
alone and without friends, I knocked at her door before I came
down, and asked if I could do anything for her. She said that she
would be better in the morning, and that all she needed was perfect
quiet. It's strange how suddenly she was taken ill! She seemed
perfectly well one moment, and then she fled to her room as if the
ghost were in pursuit. I suppose it was reaction from excitement;
or she may have some form of heart disease."

"Are heart difficulties so serious as that with ladies?" asked Van
Berg with a smile.

"I never had acute symptoms of any kind," the lady replied. "Indeed
I think I am a trifle cold and matter-of-fact in my disposition,
but I began to thaw so perceptibly under Miss Burton's influence
that I became quite interested in her. I think I deserve some credit
for saving the child also, for it was I who kept her talking in the
doorway. Most people are a weariness to me, and I was surprised
to find so marked an exception."

It must not be supposed that Van Berg's interest in the new arrival
had led him to forget the motive which had brought him to the Lake
House. This would not be in accordance with his character, and
as far as possible, he had been closely observant of Miss Mayhew
during the scenes of the afternoon. He had been rewarded by