"Do you think I shall betray myself, Ulric?" she asked, simply.
"No, my wife, I do not. You kept your secret when you saw her at Downsbury Castle, and you will keep it now. As for loving her, indulging her, saying all kind and gentle words to her, that will be quite natural in your position. Try to be happy, my darling wife; there are happy days in store for us."
"I will try," she said.
At that moment they heard the chiming bells of Anderley Church, filling the air with rich, jubilant music.
"Listen, Estelle," said Lord Linleigh; "that is our welcome home."
Listening to the joyous bells, watching the last golden gleam die out in the western sky, no dream of tragedy to come disturbed them.
"Home at last," said the earl, as the carriage stopped. "I really think, Estelle, I am the happiest man in the world."
He looked wistfully at his wife's face—it was white as death.
"My darling," he whispered, as he led her into the house, "for my sake try to cheer up. Do not sadden the happiest hour of my life."
She made a violent effort to arouse herself. She returned with her usual high and gentle courtesy the greetings of the domestics, and walked with graceful steps to the library; then she hardly knew what took place. She saw a face and a figure before her lovelier than the loveliest dream of an artist. She saw two white arms around her husband's neck, while a voice that made her heart thrill said: