CHAPTER II.
Counter-Poison.
The physical tortures endured by Lady Lake were exceeded by her mental anguish.

While the poison raged within her veins, the desire of vengeance inflamed her breast; and her fear was lest she should expire without gratifying it.

Bitterly did she now upbraid herself for having delayed her vindictive project.

More than once she consulted Luke Hatton as he stood beside her couch, with the habitual sneer upon his lips, watching the progress of his own infernal work, as to the possibility of renovating her strength, if only for an hour, in order that she might strike the blow.

But he shook his head, and bade her wait.