“Come hither, Alma,” she said, in that rich, deep, luscious voice which ever thrilled the bosom of all who heard it.
Alma approached and stood before her mother. Her heart beat fast; she eagerly hoped for some demonstration of affection on the part of the lady. Vain hope!
Mrs. Elverton took from the table beside her a sealed packet, and holding it in her hand while she spoke, she said:
“Alma, I have sent for you to entrust you with a secret mission, to which I think you will be faithful.”
“Oh, mamma, how happy you make me by trusting me! Oh, yes, I would be faithful unto death in any matter you should confide in me!” said Alma fervently.
“Enough. I believe you. To come to the point. I have just heard that that unhappy girl has been re-arrested and committed to prison. I have the strongest reasons for believing her to be innocent, though in great peril. These, my private reasons, it is not necessary to divulge, since they would have no weight with judge or jury. But I have the deepest interest in the acquittal of that girl, and in the discovery, if possible, of the real criminal. I fear that though a wealthy heiress, Eudora Leaton is without available funds to engage the best counsel, which is always very expensive. Therefore, Alma, I wish you, to-morrow morning, to take the close carriage, drive over to the prison, and place this packet in Eudora Leaton’s hands. Tell her it is to be used in her defence, and is sent by one who has as deep a stake in her trial as she has herself. But do not tell her from whom it came. Do you understand me?” said the lady, placing the package in the hands of her daughter.
“Yes mamma, and I will faithfully do your errand.”
“Go, then.”
“Mamma, will you not embrace me for this once in our lives?” pleaded Alma, holding out her arms.
“Go! go! go! go, girl, and leave me. Is this the advantage you would take of the very first visit I permit you to my presence?” exclaimed the lady, excitedly.