the
dreadful surprise of Rupert's reappearance she had been a prey to the
keenest anxiety. The whole edifice, built up with such patient,
unscrupulous effort, had threatened to crumble away. Bitter
disappointment seemed inevitable just when her highest hopes were
nearest fulfilment.

But now, thanks to her unscrupulous confederate, the staunch friend
who had stood by her so often before, the last and worst difficulty
was removed, and everything would be well.

Another day passed without further intelligence from Paris, but
Ledantec's silence aroused no fresh apprehensions. Doubtless there was
nothing special to tell; matters were progressing favourably, of
course; until her husband was actually arrested, she could expect to
hear nothing more.

On the evening of the third day, however--that, in fact, following
Gascoigne's visit to the Mairie--she had a short letter from Lincoln's
Inn. Lord Essendine's lawyers wrote her, begging she would call on
them early next day, as they had an important communication to make to
her. His lordship himself would be present, and their noble client had
suggested, if that would suit her, an appointment for twelve noon.

"At last! They mean to do the right thing at last," she said,
exultingly. "The proud old man is humbled; he fears the extinction of
his ancient line, and must make overtures now to me. My boy is the
heir; they cannot resist his rights; his claim is undeniable. He shall
be amply provided for; I shall insist on the most liberal terms."

Fully satisfied of the cause of her summons to Lincoln's Inn, Mrs.
Wilders presented herself punctually at twelve. Although she still
schooled her face to sorrowful commiseration with the old peer whom
fate had so sorely stricken, the elation she felt was manifest in her
proud, arrogant carriage, and the triumphant glitter of her bold brown
eyes.

Lord Essendine was with the senior partner, Mr. Burt, when she was
shown in; and although he arose stiffly, but courteously, from his
seat, did not take her outstretched hand, while his greeting was cold
and formal in the extreme.

There was a long pause, and, as neither of the gentlemen spoke, Mrs.
Wilders began.

"You sent for me, my lord--"

His lordship waved his hand toward Mr. Burt, as though she must
address herself to the old lawyer.

"Mrs. Wilders," said Mr. Burt, gravely and with great
deliberation--"Mrs. Wilders, if that indeed be your correct
appellation--"

And the doub