They were chatting on in this way, and John had suggested, “No jewels for your own wear, for instance?” and Bella had replied laughing. O! if he came to that, yes, there might be a beautiful ivory case of jewels on her dressing-table; when these pictures were in a moment darkened and blotted out.

They turned a corner, and met Mr. Lightwood.

He stopped as if he were petrified by the sight of Bella’s husband, who in the same moment had changed colour.

“ Mr. Lightwood and I have met before,” he said.

“Met before, John?” Bella repeated in a tone of wonder. “ Mr. Lightwood told me he had never seen you.”