For one moment Virginia looked far off across the placid waters of the Willamette, over and beyond the rugged hills shrouded in gloomy repose. Was it the "still small voice within her crying in anguish 'beware, beware'," if so, it was unheeded, drowned in the impetuous desire for revenge. Shocked and enraged by the discovery of what she considered Corway's perfidy, a strain of virulent passion possessed her, and subdued her softer and otherwise most charming personality. "Corway has done me a wrong I never will forget, and I shall not pause at any opportunity to avenge it. My cousin, Hazel, is betrothed to him. My brother has a rash, impetuous temper, and is exceedingly jealous of our family honor. By insinuating Corway's insincere attachment to Hazel, his money-mad impecuniosity, and so forth, you will produce a coolness between John and Corway that may end in their complete estrangement. We are watched," she whispered. "Let us move on." Her alert eyes had discovered Sam standing alone on the piazza steps, shading his eyes with his hand as he looked at them. She guessed his purpose, but was too far away to hear him say angrily: "If that lord attempts any fooling with that fair party, I'll give him some eye-shutters, I guess so!" Without heeding the episode, Rutley replied: "But you must know that your brother has not insulted me, and you must also be aware that the attempt to influence him may fail." "If you will follow my directions John will consider you his friend. If properly managed you need have no fear of its ultimate success. For several months last year John was in China. During that time Corway paid frequent visits to his home." "But"--interposed Rutley, quickly. "Do not misunderstand my meaning," responded Virginia, with an involuntary flash of indignation. "Corway is a man of great moral probity. But John may be brought to think him something the reverse. Do you understand?" "I will have satisfaction!" exclaimed Rutley. "Somebody is following us," whispered Virginia. "Where?" queried Rutley. "I fail to see anyone." "It may have been the shadow of the swinging light," at length she remarked, reassured, and, dismissing the thought from her mind, continued: "I have already warned you of a duel. To prove how insincere Corway's affection is for Hazel, you may call my brother's attention to a ring that he wears on the little finger of his left hand. I let Hazel have it for a short time because she admired it, and begged it from me, and Corway took it from her." "Has the ring any peculiar feature by which it may be distinguished from others?" "Yes, a single diamond set in a double heart of pearls." "Is it yours?" he asked, softly. "No," Virginia promptly answered, but she added in a hesitating manner, as though weighing the propriety of further explanation--"that is--well--it is mine for the purpose. I let Hazel have it unknown to Constance."