'
'Pray be explicit.'
'In a word, then,' said Mrs. Dallington, in a low voice, but with an
expression of earnestness which Sir Lucius had never before remarked, 'I
am in love, desperately in love, with one whom hitherto, in accordance
with your wishes, I have been driving into the arms of another.
Our views, our interests are opposite; but I wish to act fairly, if
possible; I wish to reconcile them; and it is for this purpose that I
have summoned you this morning.'
'Arundel Dacre!' said Sir Lucius, quietly, and he rapped his cane on his
boot. The blood-red spot again rose in his companion's cheek.
There was silence for a moment. Sir Lucius would not disturb it, and
Mrs. Dallington again spoke.
'St. James and the little Dacre have again met. You have my secret. I do
not ask your good services with Arundel, which I might at another time;
but you cannot expect me to work against myself. Depend, then, no longer
on my influence with May Dacre; for to be explicit, as we have always
been, most heartily should I rejoice to see her a duchess.'
'The point, Bertha,' said Sir Lucius, very quietly, 'is not that I can
no longer count upon you as an ally; but I must, I perceive, reckon you
an opponent.
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