their "dewy eyes," the stately swans
came out upon the lake, bending their arched necks, sailing round the
water lilies and the green sedges.

The sun shone out at length in his majesty, warming and brightening the
fair face of nature--it was full and perfect day. The gardeners came
through the park to commence their work; the cows out in the pasture
land stood to be milked, the busy world began to rouse itself; but the
fatal secret hidden beneath the cold, dark water remained still untold.

Chapter XLI

The sun shone bright and warm in the breakfast room at Earlescourt.
The rays fell upon the calm, stately face of Lady Helena, upon the
grave countenance of her son, upon the bright, handsome features of
Lord Airlie. They sparkled on the delicate silver, and showed off the
pretty china to perfection. The breakfast was upon the table, but the
three occupants of the room had been waiting. Lady Helena took her
seat.

"It seems strange," she said to Lord Earle, "to breakfast without
either of the girls. I would not allow Lillian to rise; and from some
caprice Beatrice forbade her maid to call her, saying she was tired."

Lord Earle made some laughing reply, but Lady Helena was not quite
pleased. Punctuality with her had always been a favorite virtue. In
case of real illness, allowance was of course to be made; but she
herself had never considered a little extra fatigue as sufficient
reason for absenting herself from table.

The two gentlemen talked gayly during breakfast. Lord Earle asked
Hubert if he would go with him to Holte, and Lord Airlie said he had
promised to drive Beatrice to Langton Priory.

Hearing that, Lady Helena thought it time to send some little warning
to her grandchild. She rang for Suzette, the maid who waited upon
Beatrice, and told her to call her young mistress.

She stood at her writing table, arranging some letters, when the maid
returned. Lady Helena looked at her in utter wonder--the girl's face
was pale and scared.

"My lady," she said, "will you please come here? You are wanted very
particularly."

Lady Helena, without speaking to either of the gentlemen, went to the
door where the girl stood.

"What is it, Suzette?" she asked. "What is the matter?"

"For mercy's sake, my lady," replied the maid, "come upstairs. I I can
not find Miss Beatrice--she is not in her room;" and the girl trembled
violently or Lady Helena would have smiled at her terror.

"She is probab