behold. "From these
letters I gather," exclaimed she, "that their wretched offspring knows
not of his fortune. So far, well. There is no channel whence he can
derive information, and my first care shall be to prevent his obtaining
any clue to the secret of his birth. I am directed to provide for
him--ha! ha! I will provide--a grave! There will I bury him and his
secret. My son's security and my own wrong demand it. I must choose
surer hands--the work must not be half-done, as heretofore. And now, I
bethink me, he is in the neighborhood, connected with a gang of
poachers--'tis as I could wish it."

At this moment a knock at the chamber-door broke upon her meditations.
"Agnes, is it you?" demanded Lady Rookwood.

Thus summoned, the old attendant entered the room.

"Why are my orders disobeyed?" asked the lady, in a severe tone of
voice. "Did I not say, when you delivered me this package from Mr.
Coates, which he himself wished to present, that I would not be
disturbed?"

"You did, my lady, but----"

"Speak out," said Lady Rookwood, somewhat more mildly, perceiving, from
Agnes's manner, that she had something of importance to communicate.
"What is it brings you hither?"

"I am sorry," returned Agnes, "to disturb your ladyship, but--but----"

"But what?" interrupted Lady Rookwood, impatiently.

"I could not help it, my lady--he would have me come; he said he was
resolved to see your ladyship, whether you would or not."

"Would see me, ha! is it so? I guess his errand, and its object--he has
some suspicion. No, that cannot be; he would not dare to tamper with
these seals. Agnes, I will _not_ see him."

"But he swears, my lady, that he will not leave the house without seeing
you--he would have forced his way into your presence, if I had not
consented to announce him."

"Insolent!" exclaimed Lady Rookwood, with a glance of indignation;
"force his way! I promise you he shall not display an equal anxiety to
repeat the visit. Tell Mr. Coates I will see him."

"Mr. Coates! Mercy on us, my lady, it's not he. He'd never have intruded
upon you unasked. No such thing. He knows his place too well. No, no;
it's not Mr. Coates----"

"If not he, who is it?"

"Luke Bradley; your ladyship knows whom I mean."

"He here--now?----"

"Yes, my lady; and looking so fierce and strange, I was quite frightened
to see him. He looked so like his--his----"

"His father, you would say. Speak out."

"No, my lady, his grandfather-