"You saw his face?"
"Yes." And at this answer, tremblingly spoken, my premonition became a certainty.
"You recognised it?"
"Unless I am much mistaken--and with all my heart I pray to heaven I may be!--it was a face once familiar to me."
It was not now for me to pursue the subject; it was for her to confide freely in me, if such was her desire. There was a silence of a few moments before she resumed:
"My husband, having hidden nothing from you, has told you all that occurred in my dear native village, Nerac, before we were married?"
"He has told me all, I believe," I said.
"Of my beloved parents--of friends once dear to me--Eric, murdered, and the unhappy Emilius?"
"I am acquainted with all the particulars of that tragic event."
"Sadly changed, worn, haggard, and travel-stained, in the man we met in the forest I recognised Emilius."