“When did you see Mr. Pelham last?” I asked.

“I have not seen him for months—for many, many months! He has left the country, never to return. I hope he is dead—with all my heart I hope he is dead! He is the cause of all my misery. I told him so, and refused ever to see him again. He was in despair, and he left me for ever. I prayed with thankfulness—on my knees I prayed—when he said good-bye! He is thousands of miles away.”

I gazed at her steadily. “It is not true,” I said; “you met him by appointment this very morning.”


[CHAPTER XXVIII.]

FREDERICK HOLDFAST’S STATEMENT (CONTINUED).

All the colour died out of her face, and I saw that I had frightened her.

“How do you know?” she asked, in a faint tone.