“I do not think that we can improve matters by remaining here longer, Lady Elaine. Above all, we must avoid arousing suspicion. Note carefully the manner in which Lady Gaynor approaches you, and always rely upon my active friendship whenever such is possible.”
Mr. Worboys went back to London, and for three or four days Lady Elaine was practically left to her own devices, while her maid was busy packing up.
On the fifth day, however, there was a letter from Lady Gaynor, which ran as follows:
Dear Lady Elaine—I sincerely trust that the first edge of your grief is dulled by this time, and that you have made preparations for leaving the old home. The new earl has been extremely kind and considerate toward you. According to the provisions of your father’s will, I and Viscount Rivington are in a measure responsible for you, and as you are practically without a fortune, your future home must be the best I can afford. The Lodge will doubtless appear a very insignificant place after the splendid surroundings of Seabright Hall. Still, none of us can choose our own lot in life, and the dear viscount has acquiesced to all my proposals. I have written to your cousin, the new earl, informing him that it is my intention to relieve him of further responsibility, so far as you are concerned, to-morrow morning. Your very dear friend, Miss Nugent, will accompany me.
Sincerely yours,
Eleanor Gaynor.
Lady Elaine shivered when she read the letter. There was something ominous in its softly-turned sentences.
At dinner the earl broached the subject.
“If you are not quite ready to leave, Lady Elaine,” he said, “I shall be glad to have you here as long as it suits your own convenience. The countess and the girls will be here next week.”
“Thank you,” Elaine replied, listlessly. “There is no reason that I should delay the inevitable. I will leave Seabright Hall to-morrow morning with Lady Gaynor.”
“A strange choice of the late earl’s,” he mused. “Lady Gaynor is notorious in certain circles. She is miserably poor, and makes an income by coaching the daughters of rich Americans and successful tradesmen generally.”