"Major Ashton!" she exclaimed, her face indicating distress.
"Yes," answered Mrs. Palmer, in response. "Do you know him?"
"Do I know him?" repeated the lady, pressing her hand to her side. "He is my husband!"
"Your husband!" exclaimed Paul, in surprise and perplexity. "Then how can he marry another?"
"It is a wicked deception!" said the strange lady. "This marriage must be stopped. I cannot permit him to deceive a worthy lady, as Mrs. Sheldon doubtless is. Is she wealthy?"
"She is very wealthy," said Mrs. Palmer. "I have heard her fortune estimated at a quarter of a million."
"That explains it," said his unfortunate wife. "He only thinks of money. He married me for money, and he would make her a second victim."
"She must beat least fifteen years older than the major," said Mrs. Palmer.
"He would care little for that, since it is not love but money that influences him. Where does Mrs. Sheldon live? I must see her at once, and warn her."
"I know where she lives," said Paul. "I will accompany you, if you wish."