“My father”—­a sob checked Virgie’s utterance as she mentioned him, and realized how forlorn her condition would be if the horrible suspicions which were being sown in her mind should prove true—­“the clergyman who performed the ceremony, a woman who lived near us, and our own servant.”

“Then, since you have no tangible proof in your own hands that you are Sir William Heath’s lawful wife, I advise you to communicate with those witnesses without delay, since their testimony alone will serve to establish your rights and—­those of your child,” Mrs. Farnum said, with a solemnity that struck a fearful chill to Virgie’s heart.

“My child!”

It was a startled, anguished cry, and all the mother-love and anxiety was instantly aroused for her little one.

Was it possible that anything was threatening the honor and future happiness of her child, who, next to its father, was at once her pride and idol?

“Oh!” she cried, pressing her hands to her throbbing temples, “why will you talk so in riddles?  If you have anything to tell me, in pity speak out before I lose my reason!”

“Wait one moment, and I will bring you a letter which I have recently received, and when I have read it to you, you will understand why I have been so skeptical regarding what you have told me, and why I have questioned you so closely.”

With these words, Mrs. Farnum arose and left the room, while Virgie, almost stunned by the fearful suspicions which had been so artfully thrust upon her, and feeling almost as if a knife had been driven through her heart, sank nerveless and trembling into a chair to await her return.

The relentless woman was not gone long.  The ice was thoroughly broken at last, and she meant to make quick work of her task now.  Lady Linton had written to her that her brother was becoming very impatient at being detained so long from his wife; he was nearly ill from anxiety because he did not hear from her, and she feared he would soon brave everything and go to her; so whatever was done to separate them eventually, must be quickly done.

She soon returned, holding in her hand a letter, and a lurid light burned in her eyes as she glanced at the stricken wife saw how well her blows had told.

“This letter,” she began, seating herself, and drawing some closely written pages from their perfumed envelope, “is from Lady Linton, my intimate friend, and Sir William Heath’s sister, and you will perceive, as I read, that my authority for what I have told you is indisputable.  Perhaps, however, you would prefer to read it yourself,” she concluded, holding it out to her.

But Virgie made a gesture of dissent.  She felt that she had not strength even to hold those thin sheets of paper in her trembling hands.

“Very well; then, I will read it to you; but, my young friend, you must be prepared for some startling news.”

Virgie opened her lips as if to speak, but the words died on them, and Mrs. Farnum began: