"In the devil's name, what motive?" said Ivar, elevating his eyebrows in surprise.
"It is a part of the secret of my life. But, being here, here I remain. And, Ivar, I must be acknowledged," she added firmly.
"Of course: you are burning to exhibit yourself as Viscountess Walden; to shine in ancestral diamonds; to reign at Ravenhall; to be queen of the county-side; to be courted and admired at fêtes and balls."
"No, Ivar, no; I care nothing for these things, but much for the name of wife. To think that I must plead with my own husband to redeem my name from reproach! What have you to fear from your father's anger? As you are his legitimate and only son he cannot deprive you of the title, even if he would; as to the Ravengar estate, that is entailed, and must therefore descend to you. Of what, then, are you afraid?"
"It is true that the original estate, the estate of the first earl, is entailed; but since his day the Ravengar lands have more than doubled. These later acquisitions the governor can dispose of as he will. If I offend him he may make them over to some one else, to Beatrice for example, since she is a great favourite of his."
"That's a temptation with me to reveal our marriage," said Lorelie with a smile. "One half of the Ravengar estate would form a pretty dowry for her and Mr. Breakspear."
"Her and Breakspear?" Ivar repeated. "Is it your wish, then, that he should marry Beatrice? That fellow may have saved your life," he added darkly, "but it doesn't follow that you must seek to reward him with the hand of my cousin."
"Events are shaping themselves that way," Lorelie remarked quietly, with a glance at the distant Beatrice, who was laughing gaily while Idris bent over her. "And really it can be no concern of yours whom she marries."
"She is a Ravengar," replied Ivar, loftily. "There is the family name to be considered. Pray, who is this insolent Breakspear, that first makes love to you, and now aspires to Beatrice?"
"Mr. Idris Breakspear——" began Lorelie, and then she stopped, surprised at the look upon Ivar's face.