Jaquelina removed the wrappings and found a small painting, exquisitely framed in ebony and silver. The painting represented a serpent crushing a dove. Beneath it was written, in a fine, clear, feminine hand the one word:
"Vendetta."
Mrs. Valchester looked over Lina's shoulder at the strange bridal-gift.
"Lina," she said, gravely, "it is not a friend who has sent you this; it is an enemy."
"Oh, how cruel!" said the girl.
Her fair cheeks grew pale, and a frightened look came into her dark eyes.
"Who could have done it?" said Mrs. Valchester. "Have you an enemy, my child—a female enemy? This is the writing of a woman."
"I do not know a woman on earth who dislikes me," Lina replied.
"It was very unkind and cruel," said Mrs. Valchester, warmly. "I should not have thought anyone could be so cruel as to try and frighten you thus in the happiest moment of your life. It is very strange that you should have an unknown enemy who should take this method of declaring war against you. We must tell Ronald about it, and see if he can have any idea as to the perpetrator."
Then she paused, and Lina laid the threatening bridal-gift upon the small toilet-table, for the rumble of wheels was heard below. Ronald Valchester had come for his bride.