But in the inner recesses of her firm-set mind was a distinct
intention to visit the vault when more favourable circumstances would
permit.



CHAPTER V--THE CRYPT



It was some weeks before Stephen got the chance she wanted. She knew
it would be difficult to evade Harold's observation, for the big
boy's acuteness as to facts had impressed itself on her. It was
strange that out of her very trust in Harold came a form of distrust
in others. In the little matter of evading him she inclined to any
one in whom there was his opposite, in whose reliability she
instinctively mistrusted. 'There is nothing bad or good but thinking
makes it so!' To enter that crypt, which had seemed so small a
matter at first, had now in process of thinking and wishing and
scheming become a thing to be much desired. Harold saw, or rather
felt, that something was in the girl's mind, and took for granted
that it had something to do with the crypt. But he thought it better
not to say anything lest he should keep awake a desire which he hoped
would die naturally.

One day it was arranged that Harold should go over to Carstone to see
the solicitor who had wound up his father's business. He was to stay
the night and ride back next day. Stephen, on hearing of the
arrangement, so contrived matters that Master Everard, the son of a