He saw that two persons were approaching, and he replaced his hat. The figures were those of ladies, but they appeared to be misty and far away. He wished that they would go on, so that he could be alone. Then he was conscious that one of them gave utterance to a half-stifled scream, and cried:
“Oh, my lady! my lady! it is Sir Harold himself!”
Again that awful throbbing made him dizzy, and he saw before him the face of an angel.
“Oh, Heaven!” he whispered, hoarsely, “am I dreaming, or is it the face of my false love, Lady Elaine?”
CHAPTER XXI.
THE VILLA IN HYDE PARK.
The subtle, insinuating manner of Viscount Rivington completely deceived Lady Elaine. Open and honest as the sunshine of day, it was impossible for her mind to descend to the lower plane wherein his schemes had birth.
He accompanied her and her maid to London, and saw them comfortably quartered at an hotel. He it was who elected next day to escort Lady Elaine to the office of Mr. Worboys. He had no desire to know anything of her business with the old family lawyer, and he remained in the waiting-room without.
In truth, it was but a formal call, and at first Mr. Worboys waited expectantly to hear what Lady Elaine had to say.
She told him briefly of her quarrel with Lady Gaynor and Viscount Rivington’s unexpected help and sympathy.