“When did she get married?”
“Last January, at Naples, very suddenly, and without the knowledge of any of her relatives.”
“She had been living at Beechcroft nearly a year, then?”
“Yes, she went South in the winter. The reason she gave was that the Hall would be depressing on the anniversary of her brother’s death. She had become most popular in the district. Helen is very fond of her, and was quite shocked to hear of her marriage. The local people do not like Signor Capella.”
“Why?”
“It is difficult to give a reason. Miss Layton does not indulge in details, but that is the impression I gather from her letters.”
Hume paused, and Brett shot a quick glance at him.
“Finish what you were going to say,” he said.
“Only this—Helen and I have mutually released each other from our engagement, and in the same breath have refused to be released. That is, if you understand—”
The barrister nodded.