So Mr. Richard came, and the longer he stayed the more favourably the idea of a permanent residence in the mansion-house seemed to impress him.  The estate was large and of great value, and there could not be a doubt that the property had largely increased.  It was evident there was an abundant income, and Cousin Elsie was worth trying for.  On the other hand, what was the matter with her eyes, that they sucked your life out of you in that strange way?  And what did she always wear a necklace for?  Besides, her father might last for ever or take it into his head to marry again.

He prolonged his visit until his presence became something like a matter of habit.  In the meantime he found that Elsie was getting more constant in her attendance at school, and learned, on inquiry, that there was a new master, a handsome young man.  The handsome young man would not have liked the look that came over Dick Venner’s face when he heard this fact mentioned.

For Mr. Richard had decided that he must have the property, that this was his one great chance in life.  The girl might not suit him as a wife.  Possibly.  Time enough to find out after he had got her.  That Elsie now regarded him with indifference, if not aversion, he could not conceal from himself.  The young man at the school was probably at the bottom of it.  “Cousin Elsie in love with a Yankee schoolmaster!”

But for a long time Dick Venner could get no positive evidence of any sentiment between Elsie and the schoolmaster.  At one time he would be devoured by suspicion, at another he would laugh himself out of them.

His jealousy at last broke out, when he and Elsie were alone, in a questioning reference to Mr. Langdon.

Elsie coloured, and then answered, abruptly and scornfully, “Mr. Langdon is a gentleman, and would not vex me as you do.”

“A gentleman!” Dick answered, with the most insulting accent.  “A gentleman!  Come, Elsie; you’ve got the Dudley blood in your veins, and it doesn’t do for you to call this poor sneaking schoolmaster a gentleman!”

He stopped short.  Elsie’s bosom was heaving, the faint flush of her cheek was becoming a vivid glow.  There was no longer any doubt in his mind.  Elsie Venner loved Bernard Langdon.  The sudden conviction, absolute, overwhelming, rushed upon him.

Elsie made no answer, but glided out of the room and slid away to her own apartment.  She bolted the door, and drew her curtains close.  Then she threw herself on the floor, and fell into a dull, slow ache of passion, without tears, almost without words.

Dick realised that he had reached a fearful point.  He could not give up the great Dudley property.  Therefore, the school-master must be got rid of, and by self-destruction.

Mr. Bernard Langdon must be found, suspended to the branch of a tree, somewhat within a mile of the Apollinean Institute.

III.—­The Perilous Hour