"Then how have you contrived to keep your appropriations undiscovered?"
A look of low conceit and cunning overspread the face of the viscount.
"Ah! that's my secret. The governor thinks he still possesses the missing plate. It's there before his eyes, and yet it isn't there. He sees it, and yet he doesn't see it. He's an artful fellow, the old boy! But for once he's been outwitted. You don't understand. Some day I'll explain my meaning. Meantime, remember, mum's the word on this business."
And here Ivar went off to inspect a new hunter that had just arrived, while Lorelie turned away with a look of unspeakable horror in her eyes.
"So the Viking's treasure found its way to Ravenhall," she murmured. "And by whose hand it is clear. The price of my father's blood! My God! to think that I have been living on money derived from such a source!"
That same evening at sunset Lorelie sat alone on the grand terrace overlooking the undulating landscape that surrounded Ravenhall. Behind her rose the ivied mansion with its fine halls and treasures of art. Roses, glowing in sculptured vases along the terrace, filled the air with their sweetness. Marble fountains flashed aloft their silvery spray. Below, in front of her, green lawns and woodlands stretched away to the margin of a shimmering lake—all bathed in the dusky golden glow of sunset.
This day should have been one of the proudest of her life. She had received recognition from the earl, and was now an acknowledged wife, a peeress, and the destined queen of the county-side.
While living at The Cedars she had been slighted by some of the society of Ormsby, and had been cruelly traduced by others; how great, then, would be the mortification of her enemies to learn that the person whom they had contemned held the proud rank of Viscountess Walden! They would be but too willing now to efface the past and do her homage; for, to be on visiting terms at Ravenhall was the ambition of all the élite of Ormsby. What a triumph for her! Youth and beauty, rank and wealth—all were hers!
That was one side of the medal; how different the reverse!