CHRISTMAS MORNING When I got out on the lawn, I accused myself of doing a very foolish thing.

"Why," I thought, "should I follow these men?
I know nothing against them.

They have as much right here as I have, and surely two friends can leave the house and come out for a stroll without being watched ?" With this thought in my mind I turned to go back again, when I heard voices close by me.

Evidently they were behind some large laurel bushes which hid them from my sight.

I stopped again for an instant; but, knowing I had no right to listen to what might be private conversation, I started a second time for the house, when I heard the name of Gertrude Forrest, and then I seemed chained to the ground.
"You have inquired about her ?" said a voice, which I recognized as belonging to Voltaire.