Hating herself for the hypocrisy she masked her feelings with a smile and endeavoured to appear gratified with her new position.
Learning that Lorelie had not yet seen the interior of Ravenhall the earl, as if wishful to conciliate her, undertook to conduct her over the mansion.
He escorted his new daughter-in-law through the finer parts of the castle, pointing out the various treasures contained within its walls: but though he talked much during this tour of inspection Lorelie was conscious all the time of being furtively scanned by him, as if he were trying to fathom her character and aims: and the belief was borne in upon her mind that she was the object of his suspicion and fear.
He bade her select as her own whatever apartments might take her fancy, and introduced her to the housekeeper, telling the latter that, as regarded the domestic arrangements of Ravenhall, she must now receive her orders from the new viscountess. Then, having rendered these honours, the earl went back to his library with the remark that they would meet again at dinner.
"Egad, we're in luck's way!" exclaimed the delighted Ivar. "Who'd have thought the old boy would prove so gracious? But why have you always kept it a secret from me that you are Captain Rochefort's daughter?" He gave Lorelie no time to reply, for, suddenly struck by a new thought, he continued, "O, by the way, just a hint, lest you should unwittingly betray a secret of mine. Don't let the governor ever know that I have given you a golden vase."
"Very well, Ivar. But may I ask your reason for this caution?"
The viscount tugged the ends of his light moustache with a shamefacedness very unusual in him.
"Hum! ah! well! I suppose I had better speak the truth. The fact is I've had to forestall my future heritage by appropriating some pieces of the family plate."
"Appropriating! That is a good word, Ivar."