As the
awful word "murder" was repeated, the doctor, who had been until this
moment beside the dead man, came to the door, and opened it.
"Who was it spoke of murder?" he asked.
"It was I," answered Honoria. "I say that my husband's death is no
sudden stroke from the hand of heaven! There is one here who refuses to
let me see him, lest I should lay my hand upon his corpse and call down
heaven's vengeance on his assassin!"
"The woman is mad," faltered Reginald Eversleigh.
"Look at the speaker," cried Honoria. "I am not mad, Reginald
Eversleigh, though, by you and your fellow-plotter, I have been made to
suffer that which might have turned a stronger brain than mine. I am
not mad. I say that my husband has been murdered; and I ask all present
to mark my words. I have no evidence of what I say, except instinct;
but I know that it does not deceive me. As for you, Reginald
Eversleigh, I refuse to recognize your rights beneath this roof. As the
widow of Sir Oswald, I claim the place of mistress in this house, until
events show whether I have a right to it or not."
These were bold words from one who, in the eyes of all present, was a
disgraced wife, who had been banished by her husband.
General Desmond was the person who took upon himself to reply. He was
the oldest and most important guest now remaining at the castle, and he
was a man who had been much respected by Sir Oswald.
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