Those two
things were power and gain. She perceived in the possession of her
lady's secrets a high-road to the mastery of both. Thus it happened
that, when she had very nearly arrived at the lobby where the boy was
waiting, Jane Payland suddenly changed her mind, and darted off in
another direction.
She hurried along a narrow passage, up the servants' staircase, and
into her own room. Here she remained for some fifteen or twenty
minutes, occupied with some task which required the aid of a lighted
candle.
At the end of that time she emerged, with a triumphant smile upon her
thin lips, and Lady Eversleigh's letter in her hand.
The seal which secured the envelope was a blank seal; but it was not
the same as the one with which Honoria Eversleigh had fastened her
letter half an hour before.
The abigail carried the letter to the boy, and the boy departed, very
well pleased to get clear of the castle without having received any
further reproof.
He went at his best speed to the little inn, where he inquired for Mr.
Brown.
That gentleman emerged presently from the inn-yard, where he had been
hanging about, listening to all that was to be heard, and talking to
the ostler.
He took the letter from the boy's hand, and rewarded him with the
promised shilling. Then he left the yard, and walked down a lane
leading towards the river.
In this unfrequented lane he tore open the envelope, and read his
letter.
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