I have not been here long.' She condescended to give no further reason for her movements, and made as if to move on.

I implored her to come into a private room where I could speak to her in confidence, but she objected.
However, the dining-room, close at hand, was quite empty at this hour, and I got her inside and closed the door.

I do not know how I began my explanation, or how I ended it, but I told her briefly and brokenly enough that the marriage was not real.
'Not real ?' she said vacantly.
'It is not,' said I.

'You will find that it is all as I say.' She could not believe my meaning even then.

'Not his wife ?' she cried.
'It is impossible.