"What are to be our plans for this afternoon, darling?" he asked. "I
have transacted all my business, and am quite at your service for the
rest of the day."
"Very well, then, you cannot please me better than by showing me some
more of the beauties of your native county."
"You make that proposition because you know it pleases me, artful puss;
but I obey. Shall we ride or drive? Perhaps, as the afternoon is hot,
we had better take the barouche," continued Sir Oswald, while Honoria
hesitated. "Come to luncheon. I will give all necessary orders."
They went to the dining-room, whither Reginald accompanied them.
Already he had contrived to banish the traces of emotion from his
countenance: but his uncle's words were still ringing in his ears.
Five hundred a year!--he was to receive a pitiful five hundred a year;
whilst his cousins--struggling men of the world, unaccustomed to luxury
and splendour--were each to have an income of five thousand. And this
woman--this base, unknown, friendless creature, who had nothing but her
diabolical beauty to recommend her--was to have a splendid fortune!
These were the thoughts which tormented Reginald Eversleigh as he took
his place at the luncheon-table. He had been now a fortnight at Raynham
Castle, and had become, to all outward appearance, perfectly at his
ease with the fair young mistress of the mansion.
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