Irene Iddesleigh
proved her only visitor, she placed her fleecy wrap carelessly against
it, and resuming her seat, was persuaded fully to believe she had
successfully accomplished the first step to her freedom.
Rachel, arriving now with luncheon, failed to notice, or if noticed, to
mention the article in the window. Next day, with great confidence, Lady
Dunfern was found in her usual recess, and drawing forth the telescope,
viewed keenly the object of her constant search, and to her wild delight
she at once beheld Marjory Mason with grave face staring, she fancied,
at her. At last, her Ladyship had achieved a mighty work, indeed, which
she hoped would yet prove of more practical importance.
It may be mentioned that Marjory Mason visited the same plot of ground
at the same hour every available morning since she was robbed of the
pleasure of waiting on her mistress, merely to get a glimpse of the
window she knew must belong to her Ladyship's haunt of hardship; and
could honest Marjory have only seen the handkerchief that every day was
pointed to its little transparent enclosures, how she would so gladly
have waved hers in return. But other means had to be resorted to,
through Lady Dunfern's great perspicacity, to try and establish a line
of communication with one she could trust. This being now arrived at
cast a world of grief from the mind of her who, under such a roof of
suspense as that beneath which she existed, felt if aid were not
forthcoming, she would shortly have to yield to the imperative command
of the King of Conquering Divines.
Who could now recognise the "Southern Beauty" of Dilworth Castle?
Who could visit the once beautiful bride of Dunfern Mansion without
naturally betraying signs of heartfelt sorrow? She who so often graced
the assemblies of the proud and famous; she who adorned society with her
majestic presence; she who, by her charming manner and elegant bearing,
failed not to steal the affection of him who treated her so, was an
object of abject commiseration where her conduct wasn't questioned. She
was no longer the cheerful associate, the bright converser, the lively,
robust Irene Iddesleigh. She, the pride of her guardians, the once
adored of her husband, the envied object of socialism, must bear to
exist, though by any means within her power, not where she existed
presently. The next part to be enacted was to attract Marjory's
attention. This could easily be tried, and tying her cambric square
firmly round the top of a small poker, she timidly sent it through the
cavity, at the same time viewing Marjory by means of her telescope.
At first Marjory was seen to shade her eyes with her hand, and move a
little forward, then suddenly stop. She would again move slightly nearer
to the wafting emblem of despair, and quickly advancing, until she
neared the spot where best the snowy sign could be seen, instantly
concluded that she must be observed by her ladyship.
When Lady Dunfern perceived that Marjory could by no means be closer to
her, she pulled the flag of victory back, leaving her maid in breathless
confusion, never for an instant flinching until she might again have an
opportunity of rendering her assistance whom she worshipped.
In less than five minutes another signal appeared through the open space
in the form of a small piece of paper, the meaning of which Marjory knew
well. It appeared to be making its way with wonderful alacrity towards
her, who now was in nervous despair lest she should be detected by her
master, or some of the other members of his staff. At last the missive
reached its destination, and, wildly grasping it, Marjory loosed the
cord, that was swiftly drawn back, and plainly written by her mistress's
hand were the words, "To Marjory, my trusted maid." Shrieking with
delight, she pushed the note into her pocket, and, speedily hastening to
the mansion, entered her own room. Securing the door from within, she
instantly tore asunder the cover, and read with tearful eyes as
follows:--
"Room No. 10.
"Dearest Marjory and Friend,
"You at last have proof of the confidence reposed in you by me.
How I have thought of you since I was severed from you no one
knows. That you have been aware of my imprisonment I can no longer
doubt. However, I shall not presently give you any particulars,
but beg to say that if you could by any means you thought safe let
me hear if you have ever received any letters for me from Oscar,
I should ever feel grateful and reward you accordingly. My reason
for such inquiry I shall explain further on. Dear Marjory, keep
this dark. Might I suggest that you slip a note under my door this
evening at five o'clock precisely. This you can do I believe at
this hour with safety. Trusting you are keeping strong, and hoping
soon to thank you personally for such secret kindness,
"Believe me,
"Sincerely yours,
"IRENE.
"To Marjory."
This note was ample explanation of the confidence Lady Dunfern had in
her maid. She well knew from previous experience how she could trust
her, and felt assured she was not a victim to misplaced confidence.
Marjory would sooner have suffered death than betray her whom she had
served so long at Dilworth Castle, and so short a time at Dunfern
Mansion, and, carefully folding the note she held in her hand, proceeded
to reply.
Lady Dunfern, at the hour appointed, stood in agony behind the massive
door, underneath which she soon felt sure of receiving news that would
either increase or diminish her varied stock of fears. Nor was she
disappointed. At the very hour referred to, the note appeared. Who could
picture the ecstatic relief of Lady Dunfern as she paced her prison
floor, whilst carefully scanning the contents of Marjory's note. In it
she stated that her husband received all letters direct, not alone for
himself, but for all his servants, and delivered them personally to
each, this only happening since she was subject to his cruel treatment.
Lady Dunfern was a little surprised at not receiving through Marjory
some news of Oscar. But when informed of her husband being the recipient
of all letters, she felt confident his were amongst the many for his
inspection, and would not therefore aid his aspect of matters much.
Safely depositing the prayed-for epistle of Marjory in her drawer, she
seemed to suddenly grow quite cheerful and animated, so much so that
Rachel, on entering some short time afterwards, was so struck with the
change as to acknowledge that her ladyship must surely appreciate the
book she held in her hand to an extraordinary extent, since it had
altered her demeanour so.
Could this attendant only have known the true nature of Lady Dunfern's
much-changed manner, how, with a conquering air, she would so soon have
conveyed the tidings to Sir John. This, however, was not to be. Lady
Dunfern believed that such a line of intercourse as that which she had
so artfully managed with one on whom she could ever place implicit
confidence, must surely yet be the means of freeing her from the fetters
of a fierce and prejudiced race.
Every morning, at the same hour, mistress and maid were at their
respective posts, the former, with brightened eye, mounted on her
favourite pedestal of triumphant account and gazing intently on the
object of rescue; the latter, casting that grave and careworn look in
the direction of the niched signboard of distress, stood firmly and
faithfully until she received the watchword of action and warning.
CHAPTER XII.
Torture trifleth not. It manifests in many instances the deserving
censure imposed upon its stinging touch. It acts like the poisonous
fangs of the serpent, unless extracted from its burning crypt of
chastisement by hands of wily witchcraft. So frightened did Lady Dunfern
become lest the eye of the straggler might chance more than once to
catch the meaning of Marjory's loitering about the grounds immediately
below her window, that she deemed it imperative to alter her
arrangements, and, acquainting Marjory in the usual way, appointed an
hour that would almost defy matters to be made conspicuous. This change
made both of them more free to act, and proved a decided success.
Only some weeks elapsed since Lady Dunfern's first missive reached
Marjory until word was forthcoming from Oscar Otwell. Her heart beat
wildly with joy on reading the following, slipped to her in the usual
way:--
"Hedley,
Berks.
"Dearest Lady Dunfern,
"You may well guess my gross astonishment on receipt of your long
looked-for note, and the dire news it contained. My heart bleeds
for you, and believe me, no stone shall be left unturned until
your release from that heathenish cell of woe shall be proclaimed.
Often have I looked for an answer to my letters from you, but,
alas! in vain. I began to be convinced that something must have
driven your love for me into hate. I am further surprised that my
uncle, who purchased Dilworth Estate, and who permanently resides
at the castle with his wife and daughters, never alluded in any
way in his letters to me to your retirement as it were from public
life. His answers to my many questions concerning you he entirely
evaded, and never having had an opportunity of a personal
interview with him since I entered Chitworth College,
I unfortunately have been debarred from rendering long since the
aid you now seek.
"Your suggestion shall undoubtedly have my prompt attention, and
I'll now say no more, until I rejoice in your freedom.
"Ever your loving
"OSCAR."
The mind of him who was in full possession of the facts regarding Lady
Dunfern's present position became perfectly distracted, and on entering
College next morning, after receiving her note, was so overcome with
grief as to cause grave alarm amongst the many students who benefitted
so much by his strenuous efforts to insure success. Doctor O'Sullivan,
the eminent President of the College, on seeing Oscar, whom he lately
observed was labouring under some weight of sorrow, in such a state of
despair, strongly advised a change of air, at the same time kindly
offering him a substitute for four weeks, at the end of which time, if
he still found himself unable to resume his tuitions, he would prolong
his vacation by two weeks. This was the very thing Oscar wanted--absence
from duty--and he gladly availed himself of the worthy president's
generous offer.
How Oscar quitted the college on receiving the news which liberated him,
not only for four weeks, but for ever!--how he sped along to his room in
Upper Joy Street, and there wrote a few words to her who longed for his
presence and aid, wondering how the clever trick, so ably concocted by
Lady Dunfern, would be accomplished, or if attempted, would
succeed!--better leave it to her who had so well managed to even reach
the length of liberty which marked her heroism already.
Lady Dunfern was busily engaged, during her hours of uninterruption, in
marking notes, with great caution and clearness, on paper for Marjory's
use; and well guarded and guided must the steps be that should again
lead her into the open field of freedom and health.
The heavy rain beat furiously against the darkened window of Lady
Dunfern's confined and much-detested abode as Rachel approached her with
supper on the night of 24th December.
As the next day brought many touching remembrances with it, Rachel, this
iron-willed attendant, spoke in rather soothing strains to her whom more
than once she tried to betray. Lady Dunfern, being so fully charged with
thoughts edging on her flight, remained in perfect indifference to all
her cunning remarks, never betraying the least outward symptom of the