It is for that purpose I have sought you now." "Then you have seen her already ?" "I have." "And love her ?" "With all my heart!" "A rapid flame," said the musical voice, in a tone that had just a thought of sarcasm; "for one of whose very existence you did not dream two hours ago." "Madame La Masque," said Norman, flushed sad haughty, "love is not a question of time." "Sir Norman Kingsley," said the lady, somewhat sadly, "I am aware of that.

Tell me what you wish to know, and if it be in my power, you shall know it." "A thousand thanks! Tell me, then, is she whom I seek living or dead ?" "She is alive." "She has the plague ?" said Sir Norman.
"I know it." "Will she recover ?" "She will." "Where is she now ?" La Masque hesitated and seemed uncertain whether or not to reply, Sir Norman passionately broke in: "Tell me, madam, for I must know!" "Then you shall; but, remember, if you get into danger, you must not blame me." "Blame you! No, I think I would hardly do that.

Where am I to seek for her ?" "Two miles from London beyond Newgate," said the mask.

"There stand the ruins of what was long ago a hunting-lodge, now a crumbling skeleton, roofless and windowless, and said, by rumor, to be haunted.

Perhaps you have seen or heard of it ?" "I have seen it a hundred times," broke in Sir Norman.