I regret very much that I have been obliged to inflict unnecessary pain
upon a lady. The story of the accident is a little invention of my own.
Sir Oswald is perfectly safe."
"Thank heaven!" cried Honoria, clasping her hands in the fervour of
sudden gratitude; "thank heaven for that!"
Her face looked beautiful, as she lifted it towards the moonlit sky.
Victor Carrington contemplated her with wonder.
"Can it be possible that she loves this man?" he thought. "Can it be
that she has not been acting a part after all?"
Her first thought, on hearing that she had been deceived, was one of
unmingled joy, of deep and heartfelt gratitude. Her second thought was
of the shameful trick that had been played upon her; and she turned to
Victor Carrington with passionate indignation.
"What is the meaning of this juggling, sir?" she cried; "and why have I
been brought to this place?"
"It is a long story, Lady Eversleigh, and I would recommend you to calm
yourself before you listen to it, if you have any wish to understand me
clearly."
"I can stop to listen to no long stories, sir. Your trick is a shameful
and unmanly one, whatever its motive. I beg that you will take me back
to Raynham without a moment's delay; and I would advise you to comply
with my request, unless you wish to draw upon yourself Sir Oswald's
vengeance for the wrong you have done me.
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