If Roland returns he never will live here again." "No, he could never do that," she said, sighing deeply.

"Mr.Clifford, sometimes I think he must be dead." "I have thought so too," he replied gravely; "and if it were so, it would be the salvation of you and your children.

There would be no public trial and conviction, and though suspicion might always rest upon his memory, he would not be remembered for long.

Justice would be defrauded, yet on the whole I should rejoice for your sake to hear that he was dead." Felicita's lips almost echoed the words.

Her heart did so, though it smote her as she recollected his passionate love for her.