When they got near Mercy, she turned and looked around her, expecting to see Oolanga or some sign of him.

He was, however, not visible.

He had received from his master peremptory orders to keep out of sight--an order for which the African scored a new offence up against her.

They found Lilla and Mimi at home and seemingly glad to see them, though both the girls were surprised at the visit coming so soon after the other.
The proceedings were a repetition of the battle of souls of the former visit.

On this occasion, however, Edgar Caswall had only the presence of Lady Arabella to support him--Oolanga being absent; but Mimi lacked the support of Adam Salton, which had been of such effective service before.
This time the struggle for supremacy of will was longer and more determined.