But when she lay lifeless and
unconscious on the sodden grass, some touch of pity stirred the hearts
of the two brothers, Lionel and Douglas Dale.
The elder, Lionel, stepped forward, and lifted that lifeless form from
the ground. He carried the unconscious widow to the carriage, where he
seated her.
Sense returned only too quickly to that tortured brain. Honoria
Eversleigh opened her eyes, and recognized the man who stood by her
side.
"I am better now," she said. "Do not let my weakness cause you any
trouble. I do not often faint; but that last moment was too bitter."
"Are you really quite recovered? Can I venture to leave you?" asked
Lionel Dale, in a much kinder tone than he had employed before in
speaking to his uncle's widow.
"Yes, indeed, I have quite recovered. I thank you for your kindness,"
murmured Honoria, gently.
Lionel Dale went back to the carriage allotted to himself and his
brother. On his way, he encountered Reginald Eversleigh.
"I have heard it whispered that my uncle's wife was an actress," said
Reginald. "That exhibition just now was rather calculated to confirm
the idea."
"If by 'exhibition' you mean that outburst of despair, I am convinced
that it was perfectly genuine," answered Lionel, coldly.
"I am sorry you are so easily duped, my dear Lionel," returned his
cousin, with a sneer. "I did not think a pretty face would have such
influence over you.
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