marriages to be often the happiest ones. I knew that--and yet
even the mention of his age, when I contrasted it with hers, added
to my blind hatred and distrust of him.

"Accurately," Miss Halcombe continued, "even to the scar on his
right hand, which is the scar of a wound that he received years
since when he was travelling in Italy. There can be no doubt that
every peculiarity of his personal appearance is thoroughly well
known to the writer of the letter."

"Even a cough that he is troubled with is mentioned, if I remember
right?"

"Yes, and mentioned correctly. He treats it lightly himself,
though it sometimes makes his friends anxious about him."

"I suppose no whispers have ever been heard against his
character?"

"Mr. Hartright! I hope you are not unjust enough to let that
infamous letter influence you?"

I felt the blood rush into my cheeks, for I knew that it HAD
influenced me.

"I hope not," I answered confusedly. "Perhaps I had no right to
ask the question."

"I am not sorry you asked it," she said, "for it enables me to do
justice to Sir Percival's reputation. Not a whisper, Mr.