ge Mr. Pallinson's merits and
accomplishments, but I do not think him worthy of you."

"It is rather awful, isn't it, for me to speak of marriage at all within
a few months of my husband's death? But when a woman has money, people
will not allow her to forget that she is a widow for ever so short a
time. But it is quite a question if I shall ever marry again. I have very
little doubt that real happiness is most likely to be found in a wise
avoidance of all the perils and perplexities of that foolish passion
which we read of in novels, if one could only be wise; don't you think
so, Mr. Fenton?"

"My own experience inclines me to agree with you, Mrs. Branston," Gilbert
answered, smiling at the little woman's naivete.

"Your own experience has been unfortunate, then? I wish I were worthy of
your confidence. Mr. Saltram told me some time ago that you were engaged
to a very charming young lady."

"The young lady in question has jilted me."

"Indeed! And you are very angry with her, of course?"

"I loved her too well to be angry with her. I reserve my indignation for
the scoundrel who stole her from me."

"It is very generous of you to make excuses for the lady," Mrs. Branston
said; and would fain have talked longer of this subject, but Gilbert
concluded his visit at this juncture, not caring to discuss his troubles
with the sympathetic widow.

He left the great gloomy gorgeous house in Cavendish square more than
ever convinced of Adela Branston's affection for his friend, more than
ever puzzled by John Saltram's indifference to so advantageous an
alliance.

Within a few days of this visit Gilbert Fenton left London. He had
devoted himself unflinchingly to his business since his return to
England, and had so planned and organized his affairs as to be able now
to absent himself for some little time from the City. He was going upon
what most men would have called a fool's errand--his quest of Marian's
husband; but he was going with a steady purpose in his breast--a
determination never to abandon the search till it should result in
success. He might have to suspend it from time to time, should he
determine to continue his commercial career; but the purpose would be
nevertheless the ruling influence of his life.

He had but one clue for his guidance in setting out upon this voyage of
discovery. Miss Long had told him that the newly-married couple were to
go to some farm-house in Hampshire which had been lent to Mr. Ho