“There was something in his look and tone that seemed to force truth and despair into my soul. Had my marriage ceremony been unlawful, notwithstanding Anglesea’s pretended carefulness? Or what had happened? How had I been betrayed? I struggled not to believe him—not to question him; but I could not help doing both. “‘Why do you say such—such——’ I had no word strong enough to utter my thought. “He answered me as if I had done so: “‘Because I must, Elfrida. I came to Geneva for that purpose. I came from Saviola, charged with a message to you.’ He ceased. “‘Go on,’ I said. ‘Go on,’ I was at that moment almost insane. It took all my power of self-control to keep still. “‘I met him in Paris two weeks ago. He told me that he was on the eve of marriage with Mademoiselle de la Villemonte, daughter of the Duc de la Villemonte; that he had not the courage to write and break his connection with you, especially as such writing would be dangerous. It might bring you on to Paris to try to prevent it, which would be awkward. So, he prayed me to take his farewell message to you. I will not insult you, Elfrida, by giving his message.’ “‘Yes! Give it! Do not spare me!’ I cried out in my agony. “‘Then it was to the effect that he was obliged by circumstances to part with you, but that as soon as he could command the fortune he was to receive with Mademoiselle de la Villemonte, he would make a suitable provision for you and your child.’ “‘You heard him say that? You, my brother’s friend! And you did not slay him on the spot!’ I cried, with all my blood on fire. “‘My dear Elfrida, my scorn, contempt and indignation might have led me to knock the villain down and trample him to death. But, my child, we are all living in civilized Europe and in the nineteenth century, and our education teaches us to subdue the wild beast that is within us. Besides, I had you to think of. If I should slay Saviola and be cast into prison, who would take care of you? Your father and brother, even your old pastor and doctor, were away in the Canaries, and you had not a friend in the world near you.’ “‘And I have not now!’ I cried, in bitter despair. “‘Do not say that, Elfrida. I lay my life at your feet!’ “‘No more of that! Your every word insults me! And you could come here with a false face and let me write to that man and never tell me what you have only told me now!’ “‘My dear Elfrida! Could I burst upon you suddenly with news that, for aught I then knew, might have killed you on the spot, or maddened you for life? No, none but a brute could have done so. I had to feel my way; to lead you slowly up to the truth; to strengthen you to bear it. That is why I allowed you to write to Saviola and to wait for a letter from him. That is why I watched your every tone and look. While doing so I perceived that your happiness did not depend on your union with Saviola.’