"This man's devotion has touched her heart," he thought. "It is of him
she is thinking when she is silent and pensive. She loves me no longer.
Fool that I am, she never loved me! She saw in me a dupe ready to lift
her from obscurity into the place she longed to occupy; and now that
place is hers, she need no longer care to blindfold the eyes of her
dupe; she may please herself, and enjoy the attentions of more
agreeable adorers."
Then, in the next moment, remorse took possession of the baronet's
heart, and for awhile he fancied that he had wronged his wife.
"Is she to blame because this man loves her?" he asked himself. "She
may not even be aware of his love, though my watchful eyes have
penetrated the secret. Oh, if I could only take her away from Raynham
without delay--this very moment--or if I could clear the castle of all
this frivolous, selfish, heartless gang--what happiness it would be!
But I can do neither. I have invited these people, and I must play my
part to the end. Even this Victor Carrington I dare not send out of my
house; for, in so doing, I should confirm the suspicions of Lydia
Graham, and all who think like her."
Thus mused Sir Oswald as he paced the broad terrace-walk alone, while
his guests were enjoying themselves in different parts of the castle
and grounds; and while Lady Eversleigh spent the summer afternoon in
her own apartments, brooding sadly on her husband's unkindness.
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