They had now reached the western wing of the mansion, and Beatrice, unlocking a small door, invited Idris to enter.
"Am I to be smuggled in?"
"Yes, for this once, Cousin Idris."
"Cousin Idris," he repeated, emphasizing the first word.
"Did I say 'cousin'?" she asked, with a simulation of innocence. "Well, I won't withdraw the term. Let it remain."
Idris stared hard at her, trying to read her thoughts. If he were really a Ravengar it might be that he was cousin to Beatrice. Was it possible that she and Lorelie had obtained proofs of this? Nay, could it be true that he was really entitled to the earldom? Had he been summoned here by Beatrice to take part in some plot by which the earl should be made to confess himself a usurper? Full of wonder he silently followed his guide. They traversed several corridors and ascended two staircases without encountering any one, a fact which led Idris to believe that Beatrice had prearranged matters with a view to keeping his visit a secret. Opening a door in an upper corridor Beatrice drew him forward, remarking: "This is our destination."
Idris, looking around, found himself in a dainty little chamber very like an opera-box in appearance, inasmuch as there was a sort of balcony on one side of it. Silken draperies prevented him from seeing into what this balcony projected, but from below it there came the subdued murmur of voices.
"We are here," said Beatrice, "to view Lorelie's tragedy. It is to be acted to-night, and in this little place you and I will be able to witness the play unseen either by actors or audience."
Stepping forward she cautiously put the curtains aside, an action which disclosed the fact that they were standing on an elevated balcony that projected into, and looked down upon, a grand Gothic hall, brilliantly illuminated with electric light.
Under the manipulation of carpenters and upholsterers the place had assumed a somewhat theatre-like aspect. The southern end of the hall was appropriated to the stage, which for the time being was hidden from view by the folds of a heavy curtain. The pavement of the body of the hall was covered with velvet carpeting. Fauteuils, lounges, seats of every description, were disposed here and there: and these were now becoming occupied by a number of fashionably-dressed ladies and gentlemen, the time fixed for the beginning of the performance being close at hand.