CHAPTER VII.


Scarcely had the wedding-train left the Grange, than Alice Sedilia,
youngest daughter of Lady Selina, made her escape from the western
tower, owing to a lack of watchfulness on the part of Clarissa.
The innocent child, freed from restraint, rambled through the
lonely corridors, and finally, opening a door, found herself in her
mother's boudoir. For some time she amused herself by examining
the various ornaments and elegant trifles with which it was filled.
Then, in pursuance of a childish freak, she dressed herself in her
mother's laces and ribbons. In this occupation she chanced to
touch a peg which proved to be a spring that opened a secret panel
in the wall. Alice uttered a cry of delight as she noticed what,
to her childish fancy, appeared to be the slow-match of a fire-
work. Taking a lucifer match in her hand she approached the fuse.
She hesitated a moment. What would her mother and her nurse say?

Suddenly the ringing of the chimes of Sloperton parish church met
her ear. Alice knew that the sound signified that the marriage
party had entered the church, and that she was secure from
interruption. With a childish smile upon her lips, Alice Sedilia
touched off the slow-match.


CHAPTER VIII.