"Certainly, or my husband would not have consented to leave me. Mrs. Heath was suddenly stricken with paralysis."
Again Mrs. Farnum started, and bent a long, searching look upon her companion—a look that made Virgie feel very uncomfortable and wonder what it meant.
"Is—is she still living?" the woman asked, still regarding Virgie searchingly.
"Yes—at least, she was the last I heard; but her condition was still considered so critical that she could not bear the least excitement."
"Then it is some time since you have heard from her?" remarked Mrs. Farnum, pointedly.
Virgie bridled a trifle at being so closely questioned. She thought her guest was trespassing beyond the bounds of good breeding. But, after a moment, feeling as if she must share her burden with some one, she said, in an unsteady voice:
"No, I have not, and—I am afraid that my husband's letters have miscarried, and the suspense has been very trying."
"Ahem! Mrs. Heath, there is something very strange—very inexplicable about what you have told me," Mrs. Farnum said, in a grave tone.
Virgie looked up, astonished both at the words and tone.
"I do not understand you," she returned.