Yes, it was true that he had been a fool, though a quixotic fool--so Blanche had felt on hearing his version of the story.

At the time of the marriage Varick had been nineteen, his wife five years older.

The two had soon parted, but they had made up their differences after a separation which lasted four years.

Varick's fortunes had then been at their lowest ebb, and the two had drifted to Chichester, where Mrs.Varick had humble, respectable relations.

After a while the woman had fallen ill, and finally died.