Old Dinah came in with a note for Mr. Leith. It was from Gertrude.
"I have gone away," she wrote. "I can leave you no address, but I shall be cognizant of all that transpires at Glenalvan Hall, and I may see you again ere long. You will soon be well enough to go about again, and that you may be enabled to solve the distressing mystery of your lost wife's fate, is the earnest prayer of
"Gertrude."
"Surely no man was ever placed in such a terrible position," said Richard Leith. "For aught I know, I may have two wives living."
"It is through no fault of yours," replied Mr. Chesleigh; "but it is most distressing. Your second wife appears to be a very beautiful and winning woman."
"She is both, but I never discovered her worth until it was too late to love her," Mr. Leith replied, sadly. "Her noble conduct to my helpless daughter first opened my eyes to her lovable character."
"God bless her!" Bertram Chesleigh uttered, fervently.
They had some further conversation, and then Mr. Chesleigh announced his intention of going away.
"I will not trespass further on Mr. Glenalvan's hospitality," he said decidedly. "I do not forget how much reason he has to hate the sight of me."