"Certainly not:—but—but I do not understand."
"Well, the man reported that he had found trace of Philip Henley; he told of the life the man was leading, and where he lived. I think all this must have been immediately after your separation, as he mentioned no wife. However, he described something even more important."
"You must tell me," she burst forth, as I hesitated. "Don't be afraid to trust me with all you know."
"I am not afraid," I returned stoutly enough, "not in the sense you mean, at least, yet it is never easy to be the bearer of evil news."
"It is evil?"
"Misfortune, certainly. The man reported the death of your husband."
"His death! You are sure?"
I could hear her quick breathing, as she leaned forward, all attention riveted on me.
"Yes."
"You saw the report?"