"Lady Watson seems to know everyone," retorted Beatrice; "but who knows Lady Watson?" "I do, very well," said Ruck quietly; "but we are not discussing her. Later on, should you desire to learn about her, I can supply you with all necessary information. Meanwhile----" "Meanwhile," repeated Beatrice, "I should like to hear what Mr. Paslow has to say." "What can I say?" said Vivian, with a look of despair. "I married Maud Ellis, as I said, and she left me after six months of a miserable life. Some times since I saw her, but she never would come back to me." "Did you wish her?" said Beatrice quickly. "She was my wife," said Vivian calmly, "and I wished to behave as her husband, little as I loved her; but she always refused to come back to me. I met you, and said nothing about my fatal marriage. There was no need to." "It would have been better had you been open." "I see that now; I did not see it at the time. But you know that I loved you always, and you know now why I did not dare to ask you to be my wife. A few weeks ago I heard that Maud was ill. I went to see her, and found that she was suffering from influenza. I saw her several times: then I heard that she was dead. I proposed to you, Beatrice, under the oak. Later on, when I went to town to look after your property, and learn if Alpenny had done you justice, I again went to the house, and learned that what I had heard was false. Maud was extremely ill, but still alive. Then I came down, and you know what took place between us. I went again and again to town, and saw the doctor." "And your wife also?" "No--yes, once; but she was so ill, and my presence disturbed her so much, that the doctor would not let me see her again. Then I went one day, and heard that she was dead and buried." "Why did you not go to the funeral?" asked Ruck sneeringly. "I did not know that she was dead. I remained away from the house--it was in Kensington--for a long time, as it was useless for me to go and see her; and the doctor always kept me advised as to how she was going on. However, he gave me no notice of her death, and she was buried when I next heard news." Beatrice expressed surprise. "But surely the doctor was wrong in not telling you she was dying? You should have been with her." "I should; but the doctor neglected to inform me. I had a row with him about the matter. However, I got the certificate, which you hold, and saw the grave; so I am now free to marry you--that is, if you will have me after what you have heard." Beatrice did not reply immediately to this question. "We can talk of that when we are alone," she said, and glanced towards Ruck, who still lounged in his chair. "That is a hint for me to go," he said, rising lazily. "Well, I shall go--unless you will marry me?" "Were you the last man in the world I should not marry you," said the girl quietly; "and I do not see why you wish to."