"I might have been a useful woman," she said, suddenly, "if I had had this chance in life; I might have been happy myself, and have made others happy. As it is, I swear that I will live only for vengeance."
She raised her beautiful white arm and jeweled hand.
"Listen to me," she said; "I will live for vengeance—not on Sir Oswald—if he chooses to marry, let him—but I will first warn the woman he marries, and then, if she likes to come here as Lady Darrell, despite my warning, let her. I will take such vengeance on her as suits a Darrell—nothing commonplace—nothing in the way of poisoning—but such revenge as shall satisfy even me."
In vain Miss Hastings tried to soothe her, to calm her, the torrent of angry words had their way.
Then she came over to Miss Hastings, and, placing her hand on her shoulder, asked:
"Tell me, whom do you think Sir Oswald is going to marry?"
"I cannot imagine—unless it is Miss Rocheford."
"Elinor Rocheford—that mere child! Let her beware!"