the
whole matter will turn, if my claim is disputed, will be the question
of identity; and it may be necessary for the witness to make his
Declaration in the magistrate's presence before the week is out.

"In this position of affairs, the doctor thinks it important that we
should be within easy reach of each other, and proposes to find a quiet
lodging for me in his neighborhood. I am quite willing to go anywhere;
for, among the other strange fancies that have got possession of me, I
have an idea that I shall feel more completely lost to Midwinter if I
move out of the neighborhood in which his letters are addressed to me.
I was awake and thinking of him again last night. This morning I have
finally decided to write to him no more.

"After staying half an hour, the doctor left me, having first inquired
whether I would like to accompany him to Hampstead to look for lodgings.
I informed him that I had some business of my own which would keep me
in London. He inquired what the business was. 'You will see,' I said,
'to-morrow or next day.'

"I had a moment's nervous trembling when I was by myself again. My
business in London, besides being a serious business in a woman's eyes,
took my mind back to Midwinter in spite of me. The prospect of removing
to my new lodging had reminded me of the necessity of dressing in my new
character. The time had come now for getting _my widow's weeds_.

"My first proceeding, after putting my bonnet on, was to provide myself
with money. I got what I wanted to fit me out for the character of
Armadale's widow by nothing less than the sale of Armadale's own present
to me on my marriage--the ruby ring! It proved to be a more valuable
jewel than I had supposed. I am likely to be spared all money anxieties
for some time to come.

"On leaving the jeweler's, I went to the great mourning shop in Regent
Street. In four-and-twenty hours (if I can give them no more) they
have engaged to dress me in my widow's costume from head to foot. I had
another feverish moment when I left the shop; and, by way of further
excitement on this agitating day, I found a surprise in store for me on
my return to the hotel. An elderly gentleman was announced to be waiting
to see me. I opened my sitting-room door, and there was old Bashwood!

"He had got my letter that morning, and had started for London by the
next train to answer it in person. I had expected a great deal from
him, but I had certainly not expected _that_.