He asked Rosamond several questions about her father's past life; but on that subject she could tell him very little. She had never lived with her father until after the building of River View Cottage, and she knew nothing of his existence before that time, except that he had only been in England during brief intervals, and that he had always come to see her at school when he had an opportunity of doing so. "He is the best and dearest of fathers," she said, affectionately. George Jernam asked if Captain Duncombe had been in England during that spring in which Valentine met his death. After a moment's reflection, Rosamond replied in the affirmative. "I remember his coming to see me that spring," she said. "He came early in March, and again in April, and it was then he began first to talk of settling in England." "And with that assurance my last hope vanishes," thought George. He had asked the question in the faint hope of hearing that Joseph Duncombe was far away from England at the time of the murder. A fortnight after the discovery of the Brazilian coin, George Jernam announced to his wife that he was about to leave her. He was going to the coast of Africa, he said. He had tried to reconcile himself to a landsman's life, and had found it unendurable. The blow fell very heavily on poor Rosamond's loving heart. "We seemed so happy, George, only two short weeks ago," she pleaded. "Yes," he answered, "I tried to be happy; but you see, the life doesn't suit me. Tour father couldn't rest in this house, though he had made himself such a comfortable home. No more can I rest here. There is a curse upon the house, perhaps," he added, with a bitter laugh. Rosamond burst into tears. "Oh, George, you will break my heart," she cried. "I thought our lives were to be so happy; and now our happiness ends all at once like a broken dream. It is because you are weary of me, and of my love, that you are going away. You promised my father that you would remain with me till his return." "I did, Rosamond," answered her husband, gravely, "and, as I am an honest man, I meant to keep that promise! I am not weary of your love--that is as precious to me as ever it was. But you must not continue to reside beneath this roof. I tell you there is a curse upon this house, Rosamond, and neither peace nor happiness can be the lot of those who dwell within its fatal walls. You must go down to Allanbay, where you may find kind friends, where you may be happy, dear, while I am away." "But, George, what is all this mystery?"