Reginald Eversleigh
looked on in silent wonder--too base to oppose himself to the foul plot
which was being concocted under his eyes. Whatever the schemer bade him
do, he did without shame or scruple. Before him glittered the dazzling
vision of future fortune.
A week elapsed--a weary week for Sir Oswald Eversleigh, for every day
and every hour seemed to widen the gulf between himself and his wife.
Conscious of her innocence of the smallest offence against the man she
truly and honestly loved, Honoria was too proud to sue for an
explanation of that mysterious change which had banished all happiness
and peace from her breast. More than once she had asked the cause of
her husband's gloom of manner; more than once she had been coldly,
almost rudely, repulsed. She sought, therefore, to question him no
further; but held herself aloof from him with proud reserve. The cruel
estrangement cost her dear; but she waited for Sir Oswald to break the
ice--she waited for him to explain the meaning of his altered conduct.
In the meantime, she performed all her duties as mistress of the
mansion with the same calm grace which had distinguished her from the
first hour of her elevation to her new position. But the struggle was a
painful one, and left its traces on her beautiful face. Sir Oswald
perceived the change in that lovely countenance, and his jealousy
distorted this change into a damning evidence against her.
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