on a visit to the great house of the place. We had not the
remotest connection with the house, or I might have known his real name.
When I did know him, it was as Mr. Noel--he told me himself, and I never
thought of doubting it. I was as simple and confiding as it is possible
for the simplest village girl to be, and all the handsome stranger told
me was gospel truth; and my life only began, I thought, from the hour I
saw him first.

"I met him at the trout-streams fishing, and alone. I had come to while
away the long, lazy hours under the trees. He spoke to me--the handsome
stranger, whom I had seen riding through the village, beside the squire,
like a young prince; and I was only too pleased and flattered by his
notice. It is many years ago, Lady Thetford, and Mr. Noel took a fancy
to my pink-and-white face and fair curls, as fine gentlemen will. It was
only fancy--never at its best, love; or he would not have deserted me
pitilessly as he did. I know it now; but then I took the tinsel for the
pure gold, and would as soon have doubted the Scripture as his lightest
word.

"My lady, it is a very old story, and very often told. We met by
stealth and in secret; and weeks passed, and I never learned he was
other than what I knew him. I loved with my whole foolish trusting
heart, strongly and selfishly; and I was ready to give up home, and
friends and parents--all the world for him. But not my good name, and he
knew that; and my lady, we were married really and truly, and honestly
married in a little church in Berkshire, and the marriage is recorded in
the register in the church, and I have the marriage certificate here in
my possession."

Mrs. Weymore touched her bosom as she spoke, and looked with earnest,
truthful eyes at Lady Thetford. But Lady Thetford's face was averted,
and not to be seen.

"His fancy for me was as fleeting as all his fancies; but it was strong
enough and reckless enough, whilst it lasted, to make him forget all
consequences. For it was surely a reckless act for a gentleman, such as
he was, to marry the daughter of a village schoolmaster.

"There was but one witness to our marriage--my husband's servant--George
Vyking. I never liked the man; he was crafty, and cunning, and
treacherous, and ready for any deed of evil; but he was in his master's
confidence and took a house for us at Windsor, and lived with us and
kept his master's secrets well."

Mrs. Weymore paused, her hands fluttering in painf