These he read with avidity.

But they added nothing to his knowledge.

Georgian's death was accepted as a fact, and the peculiarities of their history since their unfortunate wedding-day were laid bare with but little consideration for his feelings or the good name of his bride.

With a sorer heart than ever, he flung the papers from him and went out to gather strength in the open air.
There was a corner of the veranda into which he had never ventured.

It was likely to be a solitary one at this hour, and thither he now went.
But a shock awaited him there.