"
There was much to quiet and console her in these words. After 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.
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