"How so?"
"Why, there are two versions of the story of that marriage. The version Mr. Stanley had been told runs to this effect:—that Lieutenant Kingsland married Lady Isabelle McLane."
"But the register——"
"Says she didn't. I know, I've seen it; but our young friend has not, or had not when he last saw you."
"Then he thought I was referring to Lady Isabelle?"
"Exactly. No names were mentioned, he told me."
"True—but this is most unfortunate! Do you see my position?"
"Believe me, I'm fully informed on the matter, so that I'll not put you to the pain of relating it."
She bowed her silent thanks, and then continued:—
"The fact of this lady's marriage ties my hands. Deeply as she has wronged me, have I any right to ruin her husband's life by her exposure? If she has reformed——"