Mrs. Gorham took her favorite seat on the arm of her husband's chair, and he drew her to him.
"I saw Ralph Buckner while out driving a few weeks ago," she said in response to his question. "It unnerved me at the time, and I have been apprehensive ever since. I did not tell you about it, as there seemed nothing on which to base my fears, and you were so occupied. I hesitate even now to add to your burdens, but this letter has just come, and you should see it."
As she spoke she placed the open letter in his hand, and he read it carefully.
"There can be nothing to this—can there?" she asked, her lip trembling and her whole expression showing how eagerly she awaited his answer.
"Eleanor," he said, softly, drawing her onto his lap, and soothing her with the tenderness a mother would have shown an anxious child. He held her pressed closely to him for so long a time in silence that at last she became frightened She sat upright and, placing a hand on either shoulder, regarded him searchingly.
"Robert," she cried, aghast, "you don't believe—"
Then he told her the news which James Riley had brought him, and of his efforts to learn more.
"No, dear, I don't believe it," Gorham finally answered her unfinished question. "No power on earth could make me believe it until they proved it; and even then no power could take you from me."
"But it must be proved one way or the other."
"There will be no need," Gorham replied, with a lightness he did not feel; "I will find this man and will settle it for all time."