It stood open, but Eliza had not noticed that, as it was behind her.

Just now a shadow cast from the other room wavered an instant over the rug, and Louise's quick eyes caught it.
"I promise to keep your secret, dear," she said earnestly.
The two girls rose and stood facing each other.

Louise kissed the beautiful Eliza and whispered: "Here is one thing for you to remember--that we are always to be true friends, from this time forward.

If anyone annoys you, come to me, and I will protect you." "Thank you, Miss Louise," said Eliza, and then she went away to her own room in a quieter and more thoughtful mood than usual.
When she had gone Louise ran to the door communicating with Beth's room, and to her satisfaction found both her cousins, with Kenneth, Uncle John and Mr.Burke, seated in a group where they must have overheard all that had been said.
"Well!" she cried, eagerly, "did you hear?
And what do you think of it all ?" "It's Lucy Rogers, sure enough," said Kenneth.
Louise looked at Mr.Burke.
"It is the most singular case that has ever come under my observation," stated that gentleman.

"The girl is perfectly sane, but she has suffered a strange lapse of memory.