I have entered a religious house, where, by prayer and labor, I may live down all "inordinate and sinful affections," and where I shall henceforth be dead to the world and to you.
This, then, is the very last you will hear of her who was once known as Salome Levison.
"She says you knew the cause of her flight. Did you know it, monseigneur?" inquired the abbess, when she had finished reading the note, and had returned it to the owner.
"I did not even suspect it, at first, madam. At the trial of John Scott, on the charge of murder of Sir Lemuel Levison, to which I was summoned as a witness for the crown, some facts were developed that first awoke my suspicions as to the cause of my wife's flight. These suspicions were further strengthened by the tone of her letter, received three weeks afterwards, and they were absolutely confirmed by a revelation I have received this day."
"From John Scott?"
"Yes, madam."
"You know the cause of your bride's flight, monseigneur. Do you blame her for it?"
"Under such circumstances, I honor her for it. She nearly broke her own heart and mine; but, as a pure woman, believing as she was forced to believe, she could do no less. Now, madam, I have answered all your questions. Now relieve my anxiety—tell me where she is."
"First tell me where you have been seeking her?" inquired the abbess, with a singular smile.
"In Italy, of course! Her letter was post-marked Rome, though without any other address," said the duke, lightly lifting his eyebrows.