"A very excellent trait in her character," observed the Resurrection Man, as he deliberately made terrific inroads upon the bread and butter and cold meat. "Was her ladyship at the Hall when that young woman bolted?"
"No: she had gone to London early in the morning of the very same day. But there's my lady's bell."
And the female servant who had been thus conversing with the Resurrection Man, hastened to answer the summons.
In a few minutes she returned, saying, "Mr. Quentin, you are wanted in the little parlour opposite my lady's room."
The valet repaired to the apartment named, where Eliza Sydney was waiting for him.
Motioning him to close the door, she said in a low but earnest tone, "Lady Ravensworth informs me that you were devoted to your late master: doubtless you are equally well disposed towards his unprotected and almost friendless wife?"
"If there is any way, madam, in which my fidelity can be put to the test, I shall be well pleased," was the reply.
"In a word, then," continued Eliza, "your mistress and the infant heir are in danger; and it behoves you to aid me in defeating the machinations of their enemies. After what I have now said, are your suspicions in no way excited?"
"I confess, madam," answered Quentin, "that the presence of a certain person in this house——"
"You allude to the Honourable Mr. Vernon," exclaimed Eliza; "and you are right! He has domiciled himself here without invitation—without apparent motive; and he is attended by an individual capable of any atrocity."