Alcott, Louisa May - SSC 15 by Plots (and) Counterplots (v1.1) Read Free Book Online Page A

garments, knew that
she was in the power of a relentless man, and clasped her hands with a gesture
of mute supplication and submission.
                 “You
are wise,” he said. “Apart, we are both in danger; together we may be strong
and safe. I have a plan—hear it and help me to execute it, for time is life
now. You have spoken to many of going into the
country; it shall be so, but we will give our departure the appearance of a
sudden thought, a lover’s flight. Leave everything behind you but money and
jewels. That purse will more than pay you the sum you cannot claim. While I go
to fling this body into the river, to tell no tales till we are safe, destroy
all traces of the deed, prepare yourself for traveling, and guard the room in
silence until I come. Remember! One sign of treachery, one cry for help, and I
denounce you where my word will have much weight and yours none.”
                 She
gave him her hand upon the dark bargain, and covering up her face to hide the
tragic spectacle, she heard Victor leave the room with his awful burden.
                 When
he returned, she was nearly ready, for though moving like one in a ghastly
dream, bewildered by the sudden loss of the long coveted, just won prize, and
daunted by the crime whose retribution a word might bring upon herself, she
still clung to life and its delights with the tenacity of a selfish nature, a
shallow heart. While she finished her hasty preparations, Victor set the room
in order, saw that the red witnesses of the crime were burnt, and dashed off a
gay note to a friend, enclosing money for all obligations, explaining their
sudden flight as an innocent ruse to escape congratulations on their hasty
marriage, and promising to send soon for such possessions as were left behind.
Then, leaving the quiet room to be forever haunted by the memory of a night of
love, and sin, and death, like two pale ghosts they vanished in the dimness of
the dawn.
     

Chapter II
     
    EARL’S MYSTERY
     
                 FOUR
ladies sat in the luxurious privacy of Lady Lennox’s boudoir, whiling away the
listless hour before dinner with social chat. Dusk was deepening, but firelight
filled the room with its warm glow, flickering on mirrors, marbles, rich hues,
and graceful forms, and bathing the four faces with unwonted bloom.
                 Stately
Diana Stuart leaned on the high back of the chair in which sat her aunt and
chaperon, the Honorable Mrs. Berkeley. On the opposite side of the wide hearth
a slender figure lounged in the deep corner of a couch, with a graceful abandon
which no Englishwoman could hope to imitate. The face was hidden by a
hand-screen, but a pair of ravishing feet were visible, and a shower of golden hair shone against the velvet pillow. Directly
before the fire sat Lady Lennox, a comely, hospitable matron who was never so
content as when she could gather her female guests about her and refresh
herself with a little good-natured gossip. She had evidently been discussing
some subject which interested her hearers, for all were intently listening, and
all looked eager for more, when she said, with a significant nod:
                 “Yes,
I assure you there is a mystery in that family. Lady Carrick has known them all
her life, and from what she has dropped from time to time, I quite agree with
her in believing that something has gone wrong.”
                 “Dear
Lady Lennox, pray go on! There is nothing so charming
as a family mystery when the narrator can give a clue to her audience, as I am
sure you can,” exclaimed the lady on the couch, in a persuasive voice which had
a curious ring to it despite its melody.
                “That is just what I cannot do, Mrs.
Vane. However, I will gladly tell you all I know. This is in strict confidence,
you understand.”
                 “Certainly!” “Upon my honor!” “Not
a word shall pass my lips!”