The library at Ladywell was of great size, and contained a really large collection of books. If the will was concealed in one of these, it might be a weary while before it saw the light. Still Mrs. Belassis was not daunted by that thought. If it was there, she would find it, if only opportunity were granted her. The strong probability that, even if in existence, it might lie undiscovered for generations, was but a poor consolation to Mrs. Belassis. So long as she believed it to be there, she could enjoy no rest. Any day some chance might reveal its hiding-place, and then ruin stared them in the face. It must be found by herself or her husband, and destroyed as soon as found, and then perhaps they would know peace again.
So Mrs. Belassis went openly to Ladywell, and was shown by her own request into the library. Miss Debenham and Mrs. Lorraine, she was told, were to start in ten minutes’ time for a garden-party.
This was good news. Mrs. Belassis took down a few books, and sat down to study them, to give colour to her story in case either lady should come in. It was not many minutes before Maud entered. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes sparkled a little as she addressed Mrs. Belassis.
‘Oh, Aunt Celia, I heard you were here. I am afraid you will be disappointed if you stay. I don’t think Phil keeps any of his private papers in the library. Would you not like to go up to his bedroom? I do not know, of course, as I am not specially interested in his correspondence; but I dare say you would find there a good deal you might like to see.’
Mrs. Belassis looked coldly contemptuous. Inwardly she was raging.
‘Such a remark hardly deserves an answer, Maud.’
‘What a good thing, for I am afraid you would not find it very easy to make one,’ retorted Maud quickly. ‘Well, I must go now. I hope you will find the books interesting, but I am afraid you will be disappointed.’
Maud swept away, and Mrs. Belassis heaved a sigh of relief. She believed that she would not now be further molested; and when she heard the carriage roll away, a smile of triumph crossed her face. The triumph was short-lived. The door opened softly and admitted Mrs. Lorraine.
‘Good-afternoon, Celia. I have brought my work in here this afternoon. It is the coolest room in the house, I think.’
She sat down beside the window, and drew out her work, talking quietly and gently the while.