And from the sheer force of circumstances, as it seemed to me then, Mrs.Falchion's hand was often on my arm; and her voice was always in my ear at meal-times and when I visited Justine Caron to attend to her wound, or joined in the chattering recreations of the music saloon.

It was impossible not to feel her influence; and if I did not yield entirely to it, I was more possessed by it than I was aware.

I was inquisitive to know beyond doubt that she was the wife of this man.

I think it was in my mind at the time that, perhaps, by being with her much, I should be able to do him a service.

But there came a time when I was sufficiently undeceived.