She fully believed that she had fallen into the power of a maniac.
What, except madness, could have prompted such conduct as that of
Victor Carrington's?
She knew that there is no defence so powerful as an appearance of
calmness; and it was with tranquillity she addressed her companion,
after that interval of deliberation.
"Now, Mr. Carrington," she said, "since it seems I am your prisoner,
perhaps you will be good enough to inform me why you have brought me to
this place, and what injury I have ever done you that you should
inflict so deep a wrong on me?"
"You have never injured _me_, Lady Eversleigh," replied Victor
Carrington; "but you have injured one who is my friend, and whose
interests are closely linked with mine."
"Who is that friend?"
"Reginald Eversleigh."
"Reginald Eversleigh!" repeated Honoria, with amazement. "In what
manner have I injured Reginald Eversleigh? Is he not my husband's
nephew, and am I not bound to feel interest in his welfare? How, then,
can I have injured him?"
"You have done him the worst wrong that one individual can do another--
you stand between him and fortune. Do you not know that, little more
than a year ago, Reginald Eversleigh was the heir to Raynham and all
its surroundings?"
"I know that; but he was disinherited before I crossed his uncle's
pathway."
"True; but had you _not_ crossed Sir Oswald's path, there is no doubt
Reginald would have been restored to favour.
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