Constance, naturally, she disliked more than ever, but Lashmar she viewed with something of compassion, as a victim of circumstances.

Were those circumstances irresistible?
Was there not even now a possibility of defeating them ?--not with a view to taking Miss Bride's place, but for the pleasure of asserting herself against a plot, and reassuring her rightful position as arbitress of destinies.

Lady Ogram was a kind old woman, but decidedly despotic, and she had gone too far.

If indeed Lashmar were acting in helpless obedience to her, it would be the merest justice to make an attempt at rescuing him and restoring his liberty.
Not without moral significance was the facial likeness between Lady Ogram in her youth and May Tomalin.

One who had seen the girl as she sat to-night in her bedroom, brooding deeply, without the least inclination for repose, must have been struck by a new vigour in the lines of her countenance.