His real aim now
was to obtain the keys of the adjutant's strong-box, which never
left Sir Terence's person, and so become possessed of the plans of
the lines of Torres Vedras. When you consider in the light of this
the manner in which Samoval proceeded now you will admire with me
at once the opportunism and the subtlety of the man.
"You'll be after telling me exactly what you mean," Sir Terence
had said.
It was in that moment that Tremayne and Lady O'Moy came arm in arm
into the open on the hill-side, half-a-mile away - very close and
confidential. They came most opportunely to the Count's need, and
he flung out a hand to indicate them to Sir Terence, a smile of
pity on his lips.
"You need but to look to take the answer for yourself," said he.
Sir Terence looked, and laughed. He knew the sect of Ned Tremayne's
heart and could laugh now with relish at that which hitherto had
left him darkly suspicious.
"And who shall blame Lady O'Moy?" Count Samoval pursued. "A
lady so charming and so courted must seek her consolation for the
almost unnatural union Fate has imposed upon her. Captain Tremayne
is of her own age, convenient to her hand, and for an Englishman
not ill-looking."
He smiled at O'Moy with insolent compassion, and O'Moy, losing all
his self-control, struck him slapped him resoundingly upon the cheek.
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