only this moment serving up, for my lord was home sooner than he was expected."
"And he can sit down quietly to decide on the merits of stewed mushrooms," muttered Lady Marchmont, as the servant closed the door, "while I—but no matter, I hope he will enjoy his supper!"
Her eyes flashed, and she laughed aloud; but she started herself at the strange, harsh sound of her own laugh.
"Ah, here it is!" exclaimed she, unfastening a small key, which hung to the chain that she always wore; she then opened a small casket that stood where few would have noticed it; but, nevertheless, fastened for security to its stand. From thence she took two small phials, each of a different shape, but each containing some clear liquid: one she hastily concealed in the folds of her dress; the other she kept in her hand: then, taking a lamp from the table, she left the room. Shading the light with the sleeve of her dress, she proceeded along the corridor, and, with a noiseless step, gained a large bed-room on
