Page:Ethel Churchill 3.pdf/256

254 look at the bed of death was enough; the pale, rigid countenance, startled him like a spectre. "I would not have come," was the first thought that rose in his mind, "if I had had the least idea of such a scene. How unlucky Lord Marchmont should have died to-night!" The countess led the way through the noiseless rooms with a step so cautious, that it did not waken the slightest echo, and her companion was as careful as herself. They regained the apartment without interruption; and, after closing the door quietly, Lady Marchmont set the lamp down on the table. Its faint gleam, almost quenched by the daylight, fell upon her face, and her companion started at its strange and fearful expression! "Lord Marchmont," said Henrietta, "overheard our conversation this evening. To-morrow he would have denounced and degraded me; to-night he has died, and by my hand!" Sir George made an involuntary step nearer to the window—the selfish ever the predominant feeling.