The Midnight Queen - Page 30/177

"Leoline."

"Was she your wife?"

The stranger paused for a moment, as if reflecting whether she was or

not, and then said, meditatively, "No--I don't know as she was. On the whole, I am pretty sure she was

not."

Sir Norman felt as if a ton weight had been suddenly hoisted from the

region of his heart.

"Was she anybody else's wife?"

"I think not. I'm inclined to think that, except myself, she did not

know another man in London."

"Then why was she dressed as a bride?" inquired Sir Norman, rather

mystified.

"Was she? My poor Leoline!" said the stranger, sadly. "Because-"

he hesitated, "because--in short, Sir Norman," said the stranger,

decidedly, "I decline answering any more questions!"

"I shall find out, for all that," said Sir Norman, "and here I shall bid

you good-night, for this by-path leads to my destination."

"Good-night," said the stranger, "and be careful, Sir Norman-remember,

the plague is abroad."

"And so are highwaymen!" called Sir Norman after him, a little

maliciously; but a careless laugh from the stranger was the only reply

as he galloped away.