"Yes, madam, Miss Dearborn has been very kind to me."
"You have a message for me?" asked the widow, looking inquiringly at the lady with Paul.
"This lady wishes to speak to you," said Paul.
"Oh, indeed," said Mrs. Sheldon, coldly.
"Madam," cried the stranger, in unmistakable emotion, "is this true what I hear? Are you engaged to marry Major Ashton?"
"By what right do you inquire?" demanded Mrs. Sheldon, haughtily.
"By what right? Oh, madam, by the best of all rights. I am his wife!"
Mrs. Sheldon stared at the stranger in dismay and incredulity.
"I cannot believe this," she said, sharply. "You must be beside yourself."
"No, madam; it is only too true. Look! I have my marriage certificate. You must believe that." Rapidly she told her story, and, though much against her will, Mrs. Sheldon was forced to believe the truth of the story. It was terribly mortifying to find that she had come so near being duped, and her heart was stirred with indignation against the smooth-tongued deceiver, who had so craftily schemed against her happiness.