But Northway was still unsatisfied.  He desired to know how it was that a public man had succeeded in deceiving all his friends in such an affair as that of his marriage, and put various other questions, which reminded Glazzard how raw a hand he was at elaborate artifice.  Whilst the discussion was going on, Northway took from his pocket an envelope, and from the envelope drew a small photograph.

“You showed me one the other day,” he said.  “Now, do you recognize that?”

“Undoubtedly.  That is Miss Lilian Allen—­four years ago, I dare say.”

“H’m! not a bad guess.  It’s four years old, as near as can be.  I see you know all about her, though how you found out I can’t understand, unless she”——­

He paused, peering at Glazzard suspiciously.

“It doesn’t matter how I learnt what I know,” said the latter, in a peremptory tone.  “Let us stick to the point.  It’s lucky you have brought this carte-de-visite; it will enable you to assure yourself, before going to the Court-house, that you are not being fooled.  As soon as you land in the town, ask your way to the shop of a bookseller called Ridge (make a note of the name)—­tell Mr. Ridge that you have found a pocket-book with that photograph in it, and ask him if he can help you to identify the person.  You’ll hear his answer.  And in this way, by-the-bye, you could dispense with telling the magistrate that you have seen your wife.  Produce the portrait in Court, and declare that it has been recognized by people in the town.”

Northway appeared content.

“Well, that sounds better.  And what am I to do after speaking to the magistrate?”

“I should advise you to have an interview with the man himself, the Liberal candidate, and ask him how it happens that your wife is living with him.  In that way—­when he learns what step you have already taken—­you will no doubt get hold of the truth.  And then,” he smiled, “you can spend the rest of the day in contradicting your statement that Mrs. So-and-so has committed bigamy; making it known that she is merely a counterfeit wife.”

“Making known to whom?”

Glazzard laughed.

“Why, to the hundreds of people who will crowd about you.  My dear sir, you will be the most important person in the town!  You will turn an electicn—­overthrow the hopes of a party!  Don’t you want to know the taste of power?  Won’t it amuse you to think, and to remember, that in the elections of 1880 you exercised an influence beyond that of Gladstone or Beaconsfield?  It’s the wish for power that excites all this uproar throughout the country.  I myself, now —­do you think I am a political agent just for the money it brings me?  No, no; but because I have delight in ruling men!  If I am not mistaken, you have it in you to become a leader in your way, and some day you’ll remember my words.”

Northway opened his eyes very wide, and with a look of gratification.