"You do not understand these things, Gertrude," she said. "He does not love me as he should, and, knowing this, Major Malpas has never ceased to try and tempt him away from me--to the clubs--to gambling parties, from which he comes home hot and feverish; and now it seems that worse is to follow. Oh, mother, mother! you have secured me an establishment which I would gladly change for the humblest cottage, if it contained my husband's faithful love." Gertrude's heart beat fast at these words, and a faltering purpose became strengthened. "But, Ren darling," she whispered; "have you spoken to him and tried to win him from such associations? Frank is so good at heart." "Yes," sighed Renee; "but so weak and easily led away. Spoken to him, Gertrude? No, dear. As his wife, I have felt that I must ignore such things. I would not know that he visited such places--that he gambled-- that he returned home excited. I have put all such thoughts aside, and met him always with the same smile of welcome, when my heart has been well-nigh broken." "My poor sister!" whispered Gertrude, drawing her head to her breast and thinking of the husband and establishment that her mother had arranged for her to possess. "But this I feel that I cannot bear," cried Renee impetuously. "It is too great an outrage!" "Oh, Ren, Ren!" whispered Gertrude, "do not judge him too rashly; wait and see--it may be all a mistake." "Mistake!" said Renee bitterly; "did you not see him driving that woman out? Did you not see her occupying the place that should be mine?" "Yes--yes," faltered Gertrude; "but still there may be some explanation." "Yes," said Renee at last, as she dried her tears and sat up, looking very cold and stern; "there may be, and we will wait and see. At all events, I will not say one single harsh word." Gertrude left her at last quite calm and composed, the brougham being ordered for her use, and she sat back thinking of John Huish with the dark lady; but only to smile, for no jealous fancy troubled her breast. End of Volume One. Volume 2, Chapter I. The Story--Years Ago--(Continued). MR MONTAIGNE ESTABLISHES A BOND OF SYMPATHY. Mr Paul Montaigne was one of those quiet, bland gentlemen who, apparently without an effort, seemed to know everything that went on in his immediate neighbourhood. He never asked questions, but waited patiently, and the result was that, drawn, perhaps, by his quiet, persuasive way, people told him all he wanted to know. Somehow, he had the knack of winning the confidence of women, and if he had been a confessor his would have been an easy task. There were those who said that he was a Jesuit, but when it came to his ears he merely smiled pityingly, and made a point of attending church at all the week-day services, and repeating the responses in a quiet, reverent way that, combined with his closed eyes, gave him the aspect of true devoutness.