She tried to soothe the unhappy woman, but Lady Darrell turned from her with all the energy of despair.
"I cannot believe you," she cried; "it is an infamous plot to destroy my happiness and to destroy me. Hark! There is Aubrey Langton's voice; come with me and say before him what you have said to me."
CHAPTER XXXIX.
FACE TO FACE.
Captain Langton looked up in surprise not altogether unfounded, the sight that met his eyes was so unusual.
Before him stood Lady Darrell, her face white as death, her lips quivering with excitement, her superb dress of pink brocade all disarranged, her golden hair falling over her beautiful shoulders—a sight not to be forgotten; she held Pauline by the hand, and in all her life Lady Darrell had never looked so agitated as now.
"Captain Langton," said Lady Darrell, "will you come here? I want you most particularly."
It was by pure chance that she opened the library door—it was the one nearest to her.