'What is it, John?' asked Cicely; but he did not hear. Then she came to him and looked over his shoulder.
'John,' said she, putting her hand on him and shaking him; 'John, what is the meaning of this?'
'Cicely, it is as I said—after judgment, death. Do you see? I am a dead man.'
There was silence in the room. She was collecting her thoughts. What did this all mean?
'John,' she exclaimed, 'what is this?—you have a wife!'
'No—a widow.'
Then he stood up, and walked twice up and down the room, his face white as ashes, his hands behind his back, and his head bowed. Cicely followed him with her eyes; she was bewildered.
'It is best as it is,' said he to himself. 'Mirelle is set free. John Herring is dead.'
Then the truth rushed in on Cicely's mind.
'Oh, John, John! Was she—Mirelle, your wife?'