Part 9 (1/2)
But, for some reason, no one came to the door, and she was obliged to repeat the summons, but feeling very awkward to have to stand there and listen to the altercation that was being carried on so near her, although she could not understand a word that was said.
At last, just as Monsieur Correlli had delivered his authoritative command, the butler made his appearance, and let Edith in.
Before she could enter, the woman was gone, and Emil Correlli sprang up the steps, and was by her side.
He glanced anxiously down upon her face, which wore a grave and pre-occupied look.
He knew that she was wondering who the fiery, but beautiful and richly-dressed stranger was; knew that she could not fail to believe that there must be something suspicious and mysterious in his relations with her, and he was greatly exercised over the unfortunate encounter.
He had set his heart upon winning her--he had vowed that nothing should stand in the way of her becoming his wife, and now this--the worst of all things--had happened, to compromise him in her eyes, and he secretly breathed the fiercest anathemas upon the head of the marplot who had just left them.
Later that evening, Emil Correlli took the first opportunity to explain the unfortunate _contretemps_ to the wondering Edith. He stated that the girl was the daughter of an Italian florist, who had audaciously presumed to dun him for a small bill he owed her father for floral purchases.
This matter, satisfactorily explained, as he thought, he renewed his protestations of love to Edith, solicited her hand in marriage, and was staggered by her emphatic refusal.
Her refusal was reported to Mrs. G.o.ddard by that lady's brother, and she counseled him to be patient.
”I have in mind,” she said, ”the germ of a most cunning plot, which must succeed in your winning Edith Allen,” and then she proceeded to unfold her plan, which, for boldness, craft, and ingenuity, would have been worthy of a French _intriguante_ of the seventeenth century.
”Anna, you are a trump!” Emil Correlli exclaimed, admiringly, when she concluded. ”If you can carry that out as you have planned it, it will be a most unique scheme--the best thing of its kind on record!”
”I can carry it out if you will let me do it in my own way; only you must take yourself off. I will not have you here to run the risk of spoiling everything,” said Mrs. G.o.ddard, with a determined air.
”Very well, then; I will go this very night. I will take the eleven o'clock express on the B. and A. I have such faith in your genius that I am willing to be guided wholly by you, and trust my fate entirely in your hands.”
”I can write you from time to time, as the plan develops,” she replied, ”and send you instructions regarding the final act.”
”All right, go ahead--I give you _carte blanche_ for your expenses,”
said Monsieur Correlli, as he rose to leave the room.
Five hours later, he was fast asleep in a Pullman berth, and flying over the rails toward New York.
Meanwhile Edith, who was inclined to leave the house, and throw herself upon the kindness of Mrs. Stewart, found her mistress unusually gracious, seeking her aid in forwarding invitations for a reception, and in planning for what she called ”a mid-winter frolic.”
She also incidentally announced, to the great gratification of Edith, that Monsieur Correlli had hurriedly departed for New York, with the intention of being absent a considerable time.
Little did Edith then suspect that she was a.s.sisting in a plan which was intended to force her into a detested marriage.
CHAPTER IX.
THE HOUSEKEEPER AT WYOMING.
The invitations for the merry-making were at length printed and forwarded to the favored guests, but the family were not to go to Wyoming for a week or so, and meantime, Mrs. G.o.ddard devoutly hoped that the weather would change and send them a fine snowstorm, so that there would be good sleighing during their sojourn in the country.
She had her wish--everything seemed to favor the schemes of this crafty woman, for, three days later, there came a severe storm, which lasted as many more, and when at length the sun shone again there lay on the ground more than a foot of snow on a level, thus giving promise of rare enjoyment upon runners and behind spirited horses and musical bells.
At last the day of their departure arrived, and about ten o'clock, Mrs. G.o.ddard and Edith, well wrapped in furs and robes, were driven over the well-trodden roads, in a hansome sleigh, and behind a pair of fine horses, toward Middles.e.x Falls.