"I would have guarded the secret as jealously as you. I must still do it
for Maude."
"Poor Maude!" he sighed. "Her mother forgave me before she died--"
"She knew it, then?"
"Yes. She learned--"
Sounds of drumming on the door, and the countess-dowager's voice, stopped
Lord Hartledon.
"I had better face her," he said, as he unlocked it. "She will arouse the
household."
Wild, intemperate, she met him with a volley of abuse that startled Lady
Hartledon. He got her to a sofa, and gently held her down there.
"It's what I've been obliged to do all along," said Thomas Carr; "I don't
believe she has heard ten words of my explanation."
"Pray be calm, Lady Kirton," said Hartledon, soothingly; "be calm, as you
value your daughter's memory. We shall have the servants at the doors."
"I won't be calm; I will know the worst."
"I wish you to know it; but not others."
"Was Maude your wife?"
"No," he answered, in low tones. "Not--"
"And you are not ashamed to confess it?" she interrupted, not allowing
him to continue. But she was a little calmer in manner; and Val stood
upright before her with folded arms.
"I am ashamed and grieved to confess it; but I did not knowingly inflict
the injury. In Scotland--"
"Don't repeat the shameful tale," she cried; "I have heard from your
confederate, Carr, as much as I want to hear. What do you deserve for
your treachery to Maude?"
"All I have reaped--and more.
Pages:
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583