“I can assure you, Sir Godfrey,” said Lieutenant O’Loughlin, coldly, “that my gallant young friend perilled his life to preserve that casket, and there was no fear of any one tampering with it whilst under my care.”
Sir Godfrey bowed, observing, “It was fortunate his niece had had such able protectors of both her person and her property.”
Mr. Stanmore, who did not admire either the tone or the look of the baronet, and who could very well judge of the feelings of the two young men, hastened to break the seal. William Thornton, with a look not particularly conciliating at Sir Godfrey, handed the key, which was of rather curious construction. This the solicitor inserted, turned the lock, and then threw up the lid, all present naturally leaning forward, feeling some little curiosity concerning its contents.
Each naturally expected to behold jewels of great value and diamonds; what they first beheld were shavings. These appeared a rather strange packing material for a rich jewel case; but supposing that the Duchess, in her extremity, could find no other, these were carefully removed, when, to their intense mortification, surprise, and indignation, nothing was found but pieces of old worn lead wrapped in pieces of old sacking or canvas. The four spectators remained for several moments gazing at each other, unable to utter a word.
Sir Godfrey Etherton was the first to recover from the surprise all felt. He started to his feet, his sallow cheek flushed and his eyes glistening with the feeling of unaccountable relief, and even of triumph. What cared he for the poor child thus left penniless?
“Ah!” he exclaimed, not trying to conceal the joy he felt, or the triumphant tone of his voice; “so this is the end of our investigation. I thought from the first the whole story was a trumped up one, and that this supposed Duchess of Coulancourt was some artificial adventurer and her daughter.”
“Hold, sir, and take care what you say!” interrupted O’Loughlin, the fierce, angry flash from his dark eyes telling how strong was the struggle within that hindered him from felling the Baronet at his feet, whilst William Thornton could hardly contain himself. “How, Sir Godfrey,” continued the Lieutenant, checking his rage, “can you presume to call the Duchess of Coulancourt an adventuress, because this casket, be it how it may, has been tampered with?”
“Sir,” returned the Baronet, with a dark frown, gazing fiercely at the Lieutenant, and his lip trembling with passion, “I am not answerable to you, or any man, for my words; I am, however, responsible for the honour of my family. I was invited here, and I came expecting to receive proofs of a child of my brother’s—a lawful child, mind you—born in wedlock; when at the same time I felt fully convinced that my brother never was married, even though my Lord Hood appears to say to the contrary, but who cannot say who his wife was, or whether—— Pray hear me to the end, Lieutenant O’Loughlin,” continued the Baronet, waving his hand, seeing the angry impatience of the honest sailor. “Lord Hood is depending on reports; I cannot depend on any such foundation. I am quite willing to listen to reason, or to do my duty, provided I am satisfied with the proofs put before me; but you or any one else may depend I will not consent to rob my children of their rightful inheritance, without some substantial evidence of birth, marriage, &c. This young man,” continued the Baronet, turning with a look of fierce hatred towards William—(neither O’Loughlin nor the solicitor interrupted him, waiting patiently till he had ceased speaking)—“this young man is introduced into the presence of a female, apparently hiding—from whom—who can say? Seeing how young and inexperienced was the person introduced to her, she declares herself to be a Duchess, thinking this high title would impose——”
“You are going too far, Sir Godfrey Etherton,” interrupted William Thornton, losing all patience; his features flushed with excitement as he confronted the Baronet, and their eyes met. “I will not stand here, quiescent, to hear a noble lady and her unfortunate child so grossly maligned and insulted. You have, no doubt, received a false statement of facts from your son, Howard Etherton——”
The Baronet, one of the most excitable and passionate men breathing, lost all control over a temper that had rendered his name one of detestation in the naval service of his country.