He himself had retired from public life; the great hopes formed of him were all dying away.

Men spoke of him with mystery, women with sad, gentle interest; those who had known him knew him no more.
He did not return to Beechgrove: it seemed to him that he could never again endure the sight of the place where he had separated from his wife--that his ancient home had been in some manner desecrated.

The mansion was left in charge of Mrs.Chatterton, whose wonder at the new and strange state of things never ceased.
"Such a marriage!" She held up her hands in horror as she thought of it.
Indeed, to her the event appeared like a wedding and a funeral on the same day.

She had not seen Lady Arleigh since, yet she had never forgot the fair, lovely young face that had shone for so short a time in the grand old home.
Lord Arleigh saw that his wife had everything needful for her; he settled a large income on her; he sent from London horses, carriages, everything that her heart could desire; he saw that she had a proper household formed.

Whatever else the world might say, it could not say that he showed her any want of respect or any want of attention.