The abbess no longer opposed her speaking, although it was evident that her illness was hourly increasing.
And Salome told the terrible story of her sorrows, commencing with the first appointed wedding-day at Castle Lone, and ending with the second wedding-day at Elmhurst House, and her own secret flight from her false bridegroom, just as it is known to our readers.
The deeply shocked abbess heard and believed, and frequently crossed herself during the recital.
As Salome proceeded with what she called her confession, her fever and excitement increased rapidly. Toward the end of her recital her thoughts grew confused and wandered into the ravings of a brain fever.
CHAPTER XXI.
THE BRIDEGROOM.
According to his promise given to Lady Belgrade, the Duke of Hereward returned to Elmthorpe House to make his report.
He found the dowager waiting for him where he had left her, in the back drawing-room.
He greeted her only by a silent bow, and she questioned him only by a mute look.