“This afternoon—by one whom I can trust to deliver it with his own hands.”
“You have made a happy man of me, Elaine. On second thought, I will not go back to Annesley Park until I can meet Sir Harold, and see the light of hope and happiness once more in his face. My dear, he will be at your side within an hour of receiving your message, if horse-flesh can carry him. You will rescue a man from the brink of inferno—a man who loves you as woman was never loved before! Good-by! Every moment is precious, and I will not be the cause of one being lost.”
He pressed her trembling fingers tightly, warm tears springing into his eyes. Then with a whispered “Heaven bless both of you!” he left the library.
Lady Elaine heard him ride away, and with a happy resolve in her heart sought her own apartments.
In one of the passages she encountered Viscount Rivington, quite unconscious that he had purposely placed himself in her path.
“My dear Lady Elaine,” he said, “I have been in agonies lest the weather should be unpropitious and upset our plans for a ride to-day.”
“I do not think that I shall go out this morning, viscount,” Lady Elaine said, sweetly.
“But your promise of yesterday!” he exclaimed, biting his lips with vexation.
“You are not unkind enough to hold me to it when I particularly wish to be released?” she asked.
“I am only disappointed,” he replied, bowing. “It is like a black cloud obscuring golden sunshine to be so suddenly deprived of the anticipation of so sweet a pleasure.”