Faversham is our man. I must see Faversham at once, and set him to
work! If I find him, I will report the result to you, Mrs. Melrose--so
far--by luncheon time."
He departed, to ring up the Threlfall office in Pengarth and inquire
whether Faversham could be seen there. Victoria left the room with him.
"Have you forgotten these rumours of which Undershaw wrote you?"
"What, as to Faversham? No, I have not forgotten them. But I shan't take
any notice of them. He can't accept anything for himself till these two
have got their due! What right has he to Melrose's property at all?"
said the young man indignantly.
* * * * *
The mother and son had scarcely left the room when Netta turned to her
daughter with trembling lips.
"I haven't"--half whispering--"told them anything about the Hermes!"
"It was no theft!" said Felicia passionately. "I would tell anybody!"
Netta was silent, her face working with unspoken fear. Suddenly, Felicia
said in her foreign English, pronounced with a slight effort, and very
precisely:
"That is a very beautiful young man!"
Netta was startled.
"Lord Tatham? Not at all, Felicia. He is very nice, but I do not even
call him good-looking."
"He is a very beautiful young man," repeated Felicia with emphasis, "and
I am going to marry him!"
"Felicia! for heaven's sake--do not show your mad ways here!" cried
Netta, white with new alarm.
For the first time for many, many days Felicia smiled.
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