Abel Force read this paragraph at the head of the death list:
“Died.—On Monday, August 10th, at Anglewood Manor, in the forty-fourth year of his age, after a long and painful illness, which he bore with heroic patience and fortitude, Col. the Hon. Angus Anglesea.”
“Dead!” muttered Elfrida Force, thoughtfully.
“Dead!” echoed Odalite, gravely.
“Yes! dead and—doomed!” exclaimed Abel Force, catching himself up before he had used an inadmissible word.
“Then, thank Heaven, I am free! Oh! I hope it was no sin to say that!” exclaimed Odalite.
Her father stared at her for a moment, and then said:
“My dear, you were always free!”
“I could not feel so while that man lived,” she said.
“Why, what claim could the husband of another woman set up on you?” demanded Mr. Force, in surprise.