“I am rejoiced more than I can express to hear you say this, for my heart has been filled with sorrow at the young lady’s fate, and I dared not tell Mr. Ellerton lest it should drive him to some act of desperation.”
“How is it that you are allowed to associate with one who is held so close a prisoner as my friend?”
“I am not allowed. He by accident discovered a secret passage leading from his room into this. Since then we have passed many pleasant hours in each other’s society.
“He has told me his history, and the reason why he was enticed here. Though he never imagined that his lovely bride was to be brought here to be sacrificed.”
The lovely eyes filled with tears of sympathy, while her cheeks were crimson, with the excitement which she had undergone that day.
He gazed upon her with profound admiration, and every time the sweet tones fell upon his ear his heart quickened its pulsations, and he felt the blood leap madly in his veins.
At last he said, respectfully:
“Will you tell me your name, lady? I am grateful for the consolation which I know your society must have been to my deeply tried friend.”
Her lips quivered painfully, and the hot blood swept over cheek, neck, and brow, as she replied:
“My true name is Vivien Moulton, but——”