"Hardly, Mrs. Wilders. But, as you are the only representative of the family, it would be well perhaps for you to go on board the yacht. Poor Lord Lydstone's papers and effects should be sealed up. One of us will accompany you."
"I shall be delighted to be of any use. When shall we start?"
"The sooner the better," said the _attaché_, Mr. Loftus by name; and, leaving the inquiry, the two took boat, and were presently alongside the _Arcadia_.
They were received by the captain, a fine specimen of a west-country sailor, a hardy seaman, well schooled in his profession, who had long commanded a vessel in the Mediterranean trade, and was thus well qualified to act as sailing-master in the _Arcadia's_ present cruise.
But Captain Trejago was soft-hearted, easily led, especially by any daughter of Eve, and he had long since succumbed to the fascinations of Mrs. Wilders's charms. From the day she first trod the deck of the yacht he had become her humblest, perhaps, but most devoted, admirer and slave.
They exchanged a few words of sympathy and condolence.
"You have lost a good friend, Captain Trejago," said the lady.
"He was that, ma'am. My lord was one of the finest, noblest men that ever trod in shoe-leather. And you, ma'am--it must be very terrible for you."
"Losing him in such a way, it is that which embitters my grief. But this gentleman"--she turned to Mr. Loftus--"comes from the Embassy to seal up his lordship's papers."
"Quite right, ma'am. That ought to be done without delay."
"We can go down into the cabin, then?" said Mrs. Wilders.
"Why! surely, ma'am, you ought to know the way. Mr. Hemmings"--this was the valet--"is not on board, as you know: but I will send the second steward if you want any help."
Assisted by the steward, Mr. Loftus proceeded in a business-like manner to place the seals of the Embassy upon the desk, drawers, and other receptacles in Lord Lydstone's cabin. While they were thus employed, Mrs. Wilders sat at the cabin-table under the skylight, her head resting on one hand, and in an attitude that indicated the prostration of great sorrow. The other hand was on the table, fingering idly the various objects that strewed it. There were an inkstand, a pen-tray, a seal, a blotting-book or portfolio, and many other odds and ends.