At the name of Sir George, Nanette gave a start.

“Is he here?” she cried, excitedly.

“Aye. Here or somewhere with his wife, I make no doubt,” I said.

“His wife, m’sieur?”

“Aye. His wife.”

“Never!”

“What?” I cried.

“Never!” repeated Nanette.

“Oh, the villain[villain],” she went on. “Has he told you that lie?”

“Then it is not true?” I asked, trembling lest the answer would shatter newly raised hopes.