"She was, after all, your good genius," said Lady Corisande. "I always liked her."
"Well, now," said Lothair, "that case has never been opened. The year has elapsed, but I would not open it, for I had always a wild wish that the person who opened it should be yourself. See, here it is." And he gave her the case.
"We will not break the seal," said Corisande. "Let us respect it for her sake--ROMA!" she said, examining it; and then they opened the case.
There was the slip of paper which Theodora, at the time, had placed upon the pearls, and on which she had written some unseen words. They were read now, and ran thus:
"THE OFFERING OF THEODORA TO LOTHAIR"S BRIDE."
"Let me place them on you now," said Lothair.
"I will wear them as your chains," said Corisande.
The sun began to tell them that some hours had elapsed since they quitted Brentham House. At last a soft hand, which Lothair retained, gave him a slight pressure, and a sweet voice whispered: "Dearest, I think we ought to return."
And they returned almost in silence. They rather calculated that, taking advantage of the luncheon-hour, Corisande might escape to her room, but they were a little too late. Luncheon was over, and they met the d.u.c.h.ess and a large party on the terrace.
"What has become of you, my good people?" said her grace; "bells have been ringing for you in every direction. Where can you have been?"
"I have been in Corisande"s garden," said Lothair, "and she has given me a rose."