The door was locked again, and Margaret sat down to her cup of coffee and her ponderings.
She was quite calm, quite strong of purpose when she opened her desk, laid the note-book upon it, and began her task.
And what a story these notes, remarks, and hinted plots disclosed to her!
It commenced with, strange to say, a description of herself, her position at Castle Brand, what she said when summoned to receive St. Udo Brand's note on the night of Mrs. Brand's death. Then followed the words:
"I believe I could do it. My own perseverance tells me I could do it; the devil in the shape of Calembours tells me I could do it."
Leaf after leaf of such hints were read and laid to heart, then a paragraph which made those deep gray eyes grow black with apprehension.
"All right. Am sure I can do it. My chances doubled by the actors themselves. The will is in favor of M. W. St. U. scornfully washes his hands of the affair, preferring a pretty face and poverty. Stupid devil, to throw away such a birthright! Lucky dog, who is to be his successor? Let the rogue win the race. I am so tired of the dodges, the twists, the aliases, the lurkings, that I will put on the greatest disguise of all, a gentleman swell, and try what freedom is like, and the sea-captain's daughter, and Seven-Oak Waaste. St. U. sails to-morrow for the United States, and I send company with him which will twist him into shape more than the haughty dog expects. Be kind to him, oh, captivating chevalier! be attentive to him, oh, patient Thoms!"
Then came a complete interview between St. Udo Brand and the "Chevalier," purporting to have taken place on board the steamer going to New York, with this laudatory conclusion:
"Thoms, you are no fool. Thoms, I really think you are a genius."
Leaf after leaf again. The firm lip curved with stern determination, the brain quick and comprehending.