"I saw her under unpleasant circumstances," he said. "I am afraid I am not able to judge fairly."
"I have heard," said Ricordo slowly, "that she is a woman with a history. Gossips have it that she had an unhappy love affair years ago. Is it true? Not that I pay much attention to gossip; but I thought you might know."
"Yes, I am afraid there is some truth in it."
"Tell me, amico mio."
Winfield was silent a second.
"Are you interested in her?" he asked.
The other shrugged his shoulders.
"In a way, yes. I live on her lands; she is—well, the good fairy of the district. Yes, I am interested."
"I see no reason why I should not tell you," replied Winfield. "It is a matter of six years ago now, and the man is dead."
"Dead, eh? Who was he?"