When they reached Oldclough, her ladyship followed Lucia to her room. She stood before her, arranging the manacles on her wrists nervously.
"I begin to understand now," she said. "I find I was mistaken in my impressions of Mr. Dugald Binnie's tastes—and in my impressions of you. You are to marry Mr. Burmistone. My rule is over. Permit me to congratulate you."
The tears rose to Lucia's eyes.
"Grandmamma," she said, her voice soft and broken, "I think I should have been more frank, if—if you had been kinder sometimes."
"I have done my duty by you," said my lady.
Lucia looked at her pathetically.
"I have been ashamed to keep things from you," she hesitated. "And I have often told myself that—that it was sly to do it—but I could not help it."
"I trust," said my lady, "that you will be more candid with Mr. Burmistone."
Lucia blushed guiltily.
"I—think I shall, grandmamma," she said.