We will go this very night.' J The more Rosalind pondered upon this new resolve, the more hope did she de rive from it. Ere long she con versed more freely with her attendant, and at times that old smile would struggle for a moment upon her face. Yet she had gloomy moments, too. was too deeply fixed to be swept away so easily. The afternoon passed away, and as the shades of night gathered over the great city the two girls were astir. Zenobie gathered together such articles of clothing as would be needed, and then proceeded to prepare her mistress for the adventure. 4 Fear not,' she said, as she drew on Rosalind's robe of fur, * for there can be no danger worse than that we flee from. Try only to remember that you flee from the duke's foul embrace !' This served to nerve the fair young counbess up to the task, and her frame ceased its trembling. 4 1 shall nob falter now,' she said. _ * But shall we find' the Emperor ab this late hour ?' • Bless me, 'tis nob late. Bub even if we do nob see him to-nighb we can do ib in the

morning. We shall find plenty in the im perial palace who will shelter us till then.' j The girls were ready, and all'that re mained was to start on their strange mission. With noiseless steps they left the apace- I ment where they had dressed -and pro ceeded along the corridor to t.he great stair case. Zenobie knew there would be less danger there than to go down t_e other way among the servants. Having de scended these stairs, they came to the great hall which opened ono way into the saloons. They took the former course; and were :&6fi in the court. The only trouble now was in passing the porter's lodge at che gate*- for tiiey knew tho great gate was noc c»pgii, and to gain the street they must pass through the room where the porter always stayed. Zenobie went ahead and looked in. The porter sab by the fire playing with his dog. ' 4 My mistress,' whispered the girl, as she came back, 4 old John is in the lodge, and we need have no fear. 