Violet stood transfixed with horror as these strange words reached her ears. What did they mean? How came Gilbert Warrington here, and upon such apparently confidential terms with Mrs. Yorke’s trusted servant?
Violet’s heart swelled with bitter indignation against the old woman, and she made up her mind to expose her villainy and have her punished as she deserved.
All at once, like a flash, it occurred to Violet that Betty Harwood had acted in conjunction with Warrington, and had plotted to betray her into his hands. That was why she had planned and insisted upon the girl’s solitary visit to the east chamber.
It certainly seemed quite probable that there was a conspiracy between the two, and that Betty was in Gilbert Warrington’s employ—his tool and confederate. Yet it was an awful thing to reflect upon. And what could Betty’s object be in acting this traitorous part?
But there was no time for conjecture; the thoughts had flashed through Violet’s brain and left no answer. She felt that she must act.
She glided like a small black-robed ghost a little nearer the entrance to the passage where the two stood engaged in low, eager conversation, and standing close against the wall, so as to escape observation, she listened to what came next.
“True,” old Betty was saying, in a low, hushed tone. “But, then, there is always fear of detection; and we have failed in one well-laid scheme to get possession of the girl. I thought that you would have everything your own way, when once you got her to visit the east chamber; and when she would find herself alone with you in that gloomy place, I thought the rest would be easy. But you let her slip through your fingers, and now you must stand the consequences. Unless you forcibly abduct her, you will never get a chance again. Hush-h! what was that? I thought I heard something in the passage down there near the door. No; I suppose it was imagination. Well, then you are ready to strike the decisive blow? It shall be done to-night. Remember, we share equally.”
“Equally. But, Betty, the girl must not be hurt in any way.”
“Bah! you are getting soft-hearted in your old age!” snapped the woman, viciously. “Of course, there shall be no violence done. Trust me for that. And now comes the hard part. I must prepare for a trying ordeal, Gilbert. We understand each other? There will be no failure this time through mistake or misunderstanding?”
“There will be no failure,” he returned, grimly; “only carry out your part, and I will do the same. Hist! the old woman is calling you.”