CHAPTER LXX.
A PLOT.
But his lordship had his suspicions, and took measures to confirm or
set them at rest--with the result that he concluded Donal madly in
love with his niece, and unable, while she was ill, to rest anywhere
but, with the devotion of a savage, outside her door: if he did not
take precautions, the lout would oust the lord! Ever since Donal
spoke so plainly against his self-indulgence, he had not merely
hated but feared the country lad. He recognized that Donal feared
nothing, had no respect of persons, would speak out before the
world. He was doubtful also whether he had not allowed him to know
more than it was well he should know. It was time to get rid of
him--only it must be done cautiously, with the appearance of a good
understanding! If he had him out of the house before she was able to
see him again, that would do! And if in the meantime she should die,
all would be well! His distrust, once roused, went farther than that
of his son. He had not the same confidence in blue blood; he knew a
few things more than Forgue--believed it quite possible that the
daughter of a long descent of lords and ladies should fall in love
with a shepherd-lad. And as no one could tell what might have to be
done if the legal owner of the property persisted in refusing her
hand to the rightful owner of it, the fellow might be seriously in
the way!
Arctura slowly recovered.
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