With an effort he said .-- "I think you have already satisfied my curiosity.

I was told five years ago that she was dead.

It was because of the date of the photograph--two years later--that I ventured to intrude upon you.

I was anxious only to know the truth." "She certainly was very much living and of the world when I saw her last, two years ago," said Mrs.Van Loo, with an easy smile.

"I dare say that was a ruse of her relatives--a very stupid one--to break off the affair, for I think they had other plans.