Scarcely had the wedding-train left the Grange, than Alice Sedilia, youngest daughter of Lady Selina, made her escape from the western tower, owing to a lack of watchfulness on the part of Clarissa.

The innocent child, freed from restraint, rambled through the lonely corridors, and finally, opening a door, found herself in her mother's boudoir.

For some time she amused herself by examining the various ornaments and elegant trifles with which it was filled.

Then, in pursuance of a childish freak, she dressed herself in her mother's laces and ribbons.

In this occupation she chanced to touch a peg which proved to be a spring that opened a secret panel in the wall.