"You must be a little lonely now Mr. Graves is married," he stated presently.
Tessibel grew deathly pale, and took one backward step. Had he come to talk of Frederick? Had he found out the secret she had kept religiously so many weeks?
"Mr. Graves?" she repeated, and then again in almost a whisper, "Mr. Graves?"
It was the first time in ever so long she'd pronounced that loved name aloud.
"Yes," said Waldstricker, darkly, "and I came down today to see the letters you've received from him."
Tess lifted her head and looked him straight in the eyes. Did he know she had had that one precious letter? Who'd told him about it? But she couldn't give it to him,—it was burned. Neither would she admit receiving it.
"What letters?" she asked, when she could speak.
"Those Mr. Graves sent you from France!" responded Waldstricker, in very decided tones.
Tess thought quickly. Frederick had told her he was afraid of Waldstricker. So was she! He was the man who had been instrumental in taking her husband away from her. She felt a cold rage growing into active life within her. How dared he come here.
She was looking at him so steadily that the powerful churchman lowered his eyes, and for a moment pretended to be arranging the horse's bridle. Then, he centered his bold, black eyes upon her until her nerves tingled.