can answer for mine: I was weak with the long
illness, and not much of a drinker at any time. There was a great deal of
nonsense going on, and Gordon pretended to marry me to Agnes. He said or
read (I can't tell which, and never knew then) some words mockingly out
of the prayer-book, and said we were man and wife. Whilst we were all
laughing at the joke, the doctor's old housekeeper came in, to see what
the noise was about, and I, by way of keeping it up, took Agnes by the
hand, and introduced her as Mrs. Elster. I did not understand the woman's
look of astonishment then; unfortunately, I have understood it too well
since."

Anne was growing painfully interested.

"Well, after that she threw herself upon me in a manner that--that was
extraordinary to me, not having the key to it; and I--lost my head. Don't
frown, Anne; ninety-nine men out of a hundred would have lost theirs; and
you'll say so if ever I give you the details. Of course blame attached to
me; to me, and not to her. Though at the time I mentally gave her, I
assure you, her full share, somewhat after the manner of the Pharisee
condemning the publican. That also has come home to me: she believed
herself to be legally my wife; I never gave a thought to that evening's
farce, and should have supposed its bearing any meaning a simple
impossibility.

"A short time, and letters summoned me home; my mother was dangerously
ill. I remember Agnes asked me to take her with me, and I laughed at her.
I arranged to write to her, and promised to go back shortly--which, to
tell you the truth, I never meant to do. Having been mistaking her,
mistaking her still, I really thought her worthy of very little
consideration. Before I had been at home a fortnight I received a letter
from Dr. Mair, telling me that Agnes was showing symptoms of insanity,
and asking what provision I purposed making for her. My sin was finding
me out; I wondered how _he_ had found it out; I did not ask, and did not
know for years. I wrote back saying I would willingly take all expenses
upon myself; and inquired what sum would be required by the asylum--to
which he said she must be sent. He mentioned two hundred a-year, and from
that time I paid it regularly."

"And was she really insane?" interrupted Lady Hartledon.

"Yes; she had been so once or twice before--and this was what the
housekeeper had meant by saying she was with the doctor that her health
might be watched. It appeared that when these sy