"Well, you know, the whole thing was so sudden, so unexpected, and so perfectly overwhelming, that I stood transfixed. I said nothing. I believe I bowed, and then somehow or other, I really don't know how, I got away, and, mounting my horse, rode off like a madman. Then I came home, and here you see me."
There was a silence now for some time.
"Are you sure that it was your wife?"
"Of course I am. How could I be mistaken?"
"Are you sure the name was Willoughby?"
"Perfectly sure."
"And that is the name your wife took?"
"Yes; I told you so before, didn't I?"
"Yes. But think now. Mightn't there be some mistake?"
"Pooh! how could there be any mistake?"