It is a
base, discreditable plot against a weak, helpless, defenceless woman,"
said Mrs. Wilders with effrontery; but despair was in her heart.
How Ledantec has deceived her!
"Is that all you have to say to me?" she went on at length after
another pause. "You, Lord Essendine--my husband's relative and friend,
one of the richest and proudest men in this purse-proud land--how
chivalrous, how brave of you, to bring me here to load me with vile
aspersions, to rob me of my character; my child, my little friendless
orphan boy, of the inheritance which is his by right of birth!"
"Do not let us get into recriminations, madam," said Lord Essendine,
speaking for the first time. "It is to speak of your boy, mainly, that
I wished for this interview."
"Poor child!"
"Whatever blot may stain his birth, I cannot forget that he has
Wilders's blood in his veins. He is Cousin Bill's son still."
"You admit so much? Many thanks," she sneered. "And since these heavy
blows have struck us, blow after blow, he is the sole survivor of the
house. I am willing--nay, anxious--to recognise him."
"Indeed! How truly generous of you!" There was no telling whether the
speech was genuine, or another sneer.
"He cannot bear the title, but I can make him my heir. He may succeed
to the position in due course--I hardly care how soon.
Pages:
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393