The Earl of Linleigh seemed to be indifferent as to the terms on which he obtained his pardon, provided only that he did obtain it. His thanks and gratitude were pleasing to hear. Her pale face relaxed as she listened. After all she had suffered, the long, silent agony of years—there was something very delightful in being loved.
"And you will be good to me, my darling?" whispered the earl. "You will not do what you might do—take vengeance on me for my many sins?"
"No," said Lady Estelle, "I will not do that."
"And you will come with me to my home, Linleigh Towers, and reign there as its mistress and queen?"
"I will do whatever makes you happiest," she said, with that sweet gentleness that seemed to sit so strangely upon her.
"Estelle," said the earl, "of course the duke and duchess have not an inkling of our secret?"
"No, they have not the faintest idea of it."
"How foolish we were, my darling. It seems like a dream now that we ever did that wild, foolish deed. It is far more like a dream than a reality."
"Yes," she sighed, "it was a sad thing for both of us."
"I will tell them. You have had quite enough to bear. I will take the onus on myself. Give me—let me see—ten kisses; they will make me strong enough to fight any battle in your cause."