We remained four months in Florence, and before we left it Lydia Clyne became Mrs.Vrain.

I could do nothing with my father, as he was possessed of the headstrong passion of an old man, and, moreover, Lydia had learned to know his weak points so well that she could twist him round her finger.

But, angered as I was at my father's folly, I loved him too well to leave him at the time, therefore I returned to Berwin Manor with the pair.
"There, Mr.Denzil," continued Miss Vrain, her face growing dark, "Lydia made my life so wretched, and insulted me so openly, that I was forced, out of self-respect, to leave the house.

I had some relatives in Australia, to whom I went out on a visit.

Alas! I wish I had not done so; yet remain with my colonial cousins I did, until recalled to England by the terrible intelligence of my father's untimely end." "So the marriage was a failure ?" "Yes; even before I left, Lydia openly neglected my father.