"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.