"Katherine Wilmot?" said Richard.
"That is the name," returned Ellen.
"What about her?" asked our hero.
"She has committed a crime——"
"A crime!"
"A crime of the blackest dye: she has poisoned Mr. Tracy's housekeeper."
"Ellen you are deceived—you are mistaken: it is impossible!" exclaimed Markham, "I never saw her but once, it is true: and still the impression she made upon me was most favourable. I did not mention any thing concerning her to either you or your father, because I sought to do an act of humanity in tearing her away from a wretched home; and I am not one who speaks of such a deed as that."
"I am not deceived—I am not mistaken, Richard," answered Ellen. "The footman came and narrated to me the particulars; and he said that his master was too unwell, through horror and excitement, to write to you upon the subject."
Ellen then related the few particulars yet known in connexion with the case, but the nature of which is already before the reader.
Richard remained silent for a long time, after Ellen had ceased to speak.