But she was soon calm. Rising to her feet, she opened a secret
panel in the wall, and revealed a slow-match ready for lighting.
"This match," said the Lady Selina, "is connected with a mine
beneath the western tower, where my three children are confined;
another branch of it lies under the parish church, where the record
of my first marriage is kept. I have only to light this match and
the whole of my past life is swept away!" she approached the match
with a lighted candle.
But a hand was laid upon her arm, and with a shriek the Lady Selina
fell on her knees before the spectre of Sir Guy.
CHAPTER II.
"Forbear, Selina," said the phantom in a hollow voice.
"Why should I forbear?" responded Selina haughtily, as she
recovered her courage. "You know the secret of our race?"
"I do. Understand me,--I do not object to the eccentricities of
your youth. I know the fearful destiny which, pursuing you, led
you to poison your sister and drown your lady's-maid. I know the
awful doom which I have brought upon this house! But if you make
way with these children--"
"Well," said the Lady Selina, hastily.
"They will haunt you!"
"Well, I fear them not," said Selina, drawing her superb figure to
its full height.
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