It was a great fault of his, or perhaps
a misfortune--for he could not help it--this want of self-control in
moments of emergency.
"Maude, I forbid you to interfere in this; you must not. For Heaven's
sake, sit down and remain quiet."
"I'll see your visitor, and know, at last, what this strange trouble is.
I will, Lord Hartledon."
"You must not: do you hear me?" he reiterated with deep emotion, for she
was trying to force her way out of the room. "Maude--listen--I do not
mean to be harsh, but for your own good I conjure you to be still. I
forbid you, by the obedience you promised me before God, to inquire into
or stir in this matter. It is a private affair of my own, and not yours.
Stay here until I return."
Maude drew back, as if in compliance; and Lord Hartledon, supposing
he had prevailed, quitted the room and closed the door. He was quite
mistaken. Never had her solemn vows of obedience been so utterly
despised; never had the temptation to evil been so rife in her heart.
She unlatched the door and listened. Lord Hartledon went downstairs and
into the library, just as he had done the evening before the christening.
And Lady Hartledon was certain the same man awaited him there. Ringing
the nursery-bell, she took off her slippers, unseen, and hid them under
a chair.
"Remain here with the children," was her order to the nurse who appeared,
as she shut the woman into the room.
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