any rate did not notice
him. She was sitting as before in a deep arm-chair, in the depths of
which her slender figure seemed lost. Her hands were clutched
together. Her face was turned toward that portrait over the
fire-place, which represented Lord Chetwynde in his early youth. Upon
that face, usually so like a mask, so impassive, and so unapt to
express the feelings that existed within, there was now visibly
expressed an array of contending emotions. She had thrown away or
lost her self-restraint; those feelings raged and expressed
themselves uncontrolled, and Gualtier for the first time saw her off
her guard. He entered with his usual stealthy tread, and watched her
for some time as she sat looking at the picture. He read in her face
the emotions which were expressed there. He saw disappointment, rage,
fury, love, vengeance, pride, and desire all contending together. He
learned for the first time that this woman whom he had believed to be
cold as an icicle was as hot-hearted as a volcano; that she was
fervid, impulsive, vehement, passionate, intense in love and in hate.
As he learned this he felt his soul sink within him as he thought
that it was not reserved for him, but for another, to call forth all
the fiery vehemence of that stormy nature.

She saw him at last, as with a passionate gesture she tore her eyes
away from the portrait, which seemed to fascinate her. The sight of
Gualtier at once restored her outward calm. She was herself once
more. She waved her hand loftily to a seat, and the very fact that
she had made this exhibition of feeling before him seemed to harden
that proud manner which she usually displayed toward him.

"I have sent for you," said she, in calm, measured tones, "for an
important purpose. You remember the last journey on which I sent
you?"

"Yes, my lady."

"You did that well. I have another one on which I wish you to go. It
refers to the same person."

"Lord Chetwynde?"

Hilda bowed.

"I am ready," said Gualtier.

"He left this morning, and I don't know where he has gone, but I wish
you to go after him."

"I know where he intended to go."

"How? Where?"

"Some of the servants overheard him speaking to Mrs. Hart about going
to Italy."

"Italy!"

"Yes. I can come up with him somewhere, if you wish it, and get on
his track. But what is it that you wish me to do?"

"In the first place, to follow him up."

"How--at a distance--or near him? That is to say, shall I travel