"This match," said the Lady Selina, "is connected with a mine
beneath the western tower, where my three children are confined;
another branch of it lies under the parish church, where the record
of my first marriage is kept. I have only to light this match and
the whole of my past life is swept away!" she approached the match
with a lighted candle.

But a hand was laid upon her arm, and with a shriek the Lady Selina
fell on her knees before the spectre of Sir Guy.


CHAPTER II.


"Forbear, Selina," said the phantom in a hollow voice.

"Why should I forbear?" responded Selina haughtily, as she
recovered her courage. "You know the secret of our race?"

"I do. Understand me,--I do not object to the eccentricities of
your youth. I know the fearful destiny which, pursuing you, led
you to poison your sister and drown your lady's-maid. I know the
awful doom which I have brought upon this house! But if you make
way with these children--"

"Well," said the Lady Selina, hastily.

"They will haunt you!"