‘The road?’
‘Yes that broad road that we read of.’
‘These are singular girls,’ said Monteagle. ‘Instead of mere hacknied mercenaries they seem to be women of sentiment and feeling.’
‘Well, I can show you a few such—’
A heavy sigh breathed by some person near them caused Monteagle to turn around.
The lady incognito was near them, and the sigh must have come from her; but whether it had any relation to their conversation or not they were unable to determine. She did not look towards them, as she passed. Perhaps that the sigh had some connection with the unfortunate Maria. Still as her dark form receded from view, Monteagle could not but remember that it was immediately after Blodget’s proposition to show him other females, when this sigh was breathed.
CHAPTER VI
The Ruined Wife—The Banker’s Marriage.
They walked forward amid the darkness till they came to a house in Sacramento street, where instead of the sound of merry voices which they had expected, their ears were saluted by the most violent oaths and denunciations.
‘How is this?’ said Monteagle, ‘is it a ring fight to which you are conveying me?’