Once more I say, release your grasp." He actually looks ugly for the moment, and Philander does let go, but it is only because, as an advance courier, he has accomplished his mission, and not on account of any fear.
As Doctor Chicago turns to follow the Sister, he draws in a long breath, for he finds himself face to face with Lady Ruth.
She has hurried up behind Philander, and near-by can be seen the British soldier and Aunt Gwen, also pushing forward as rapidly as the assembling crowd will allow.
"Doctor Craig." Her presence recalls John to his senses.
"I am going to see my mother, Lady Ruth," he says, as if apologizing for his rudeness.
"With whom ?" "This Sister." Lady Ruth surveys the other from her vail to the hem of her dress.
"I would advise you not to do so, doctor." "Why do you say that ?" he asks, astonished.
"Because you will regret it, because you are being made the victim of another plot." "Lady Ruth, do I hear aright?
Do you fully realize what it is you say ?" "I am conscious of the gravity of the charge, but that does not prevent me from asserting it.

I repeat what I said before, that you are again the victim of a plot.

As to this Sister here, can it be possible you do not know her ?" He shakes his head.
"Have you seen her face ?" "It is old and shriveled--that of a stranger." At this the Sister throws back her vail, and they see the features John describes.
"After all I am right," says John, with the air of a man who attempts to justify himself.
At that the English girl laughs scornfully.
"Really, I did not think men could be so easily deceived, and one whom I considered as shrewd as you, Doctor Chicago.

See what a miserable deception, a fraud transferred from the boards of a New York theater to Algiers.

Behold! the magic wand touches age with a gentle touch, and what follows ?" Lady Ruth is standing between the two, and within arm's length of either.
The Sister has not moved, but, as if confident of influencing John, holds her own.