u two, with devilish
malignity, did my darling to death. It is you and your accomplice who
have to dread punishment, not I."

"Take care!" he said again.

"Oh, I am not afraid of you or your accomplice," she answered spiritedly.
"I am content to stand by every word I have said, every act I have done.
Moreover, I believe in God's justice. I fear not the grinding of His
mills; if necessary I shall set the wheels in motion myself. But you
don't care for God, or believe in Him. Your god is your great kite,
which cows the birds of a whole district. But be sure that His hand,
when it rises, always falls at the appointed time. It may be that your
name is being called even at this very moment at the Great Assize. Repent
while there is still time. Happy you, if you may be allowed to enter
those mighty halls in the company of the pure-souled angel whose voice
has only to whisper one word of justice, and you disappear for ever into
everlasting torment."

The sudden death of Lilla caused consternation among Mimi's friends and
well-wishers. Such a tragedy was totally unexpected, as Adam and Sir
Nathaniel had been expecting the White Worm's vengeance to fall upon
themselves.

Adam, leaving his wife free to follow her own desires with regard to
Lilla and her grandfather, busied himself with filling the well-hole with
the fine sand prepared for the purpose, taking care to have lowered at
stated intervals quantities of the store of dynamite, so as to be ready
for the final explosion. He had under his immediate supervision a corps
of workmen, and was assisted by Sir Nathaniel, who had come over for the
purpose, and all were now staying at Lesser Hill.

Mr. Salton, too, showed much interest in the job, and was constantly
coming in and out, nothing escaping his observation.

Since her marriage to Adam and their coming to stay at Doom Tower, Mimi
had been fettered by fear of the horrible monster at Diana's Grove. But
now she dreaded it no longer. She accepted the fact of its assuming at
will the form of Lady Arabella. She had still to tax and upbraid her for
her part in the unhappiness which had been wrought on Lilla, and for her
share in causing her death.

One evening, when Mimi entered her own room, she went to the window and
threw an eager look round the whole circle of sight. A single glance
satisfied her that the White Worm in _propria persona_ was not visible.
So she sat down in the window-seat and enjoyed the p