because it served to identify the man still more:—as soon as the ceremony was over, they were to go to Combe Magna, his seat in Somersetshire. My astonishment!—but it would be impossible to describe what I felt. The communicative lady I learnt, on inquiry—for I stayed in the shop till they were gone—was a Mrs. Ellison, and that, as I have been since informed, is the name of Miss Grey’s guardian.”
“It is. But have you likewise heard that Miss Grey has fifty thousand pounds? In that, if in anything, we may find an explanation.”
“It may be so; but Willoughby is capable—at least I think—” He stopped a moment; then added in a voice which seemed to distrust itself, “And your sister—how did she—”
“Her sufferings have been very severe. I have only to hope that they may be proportionately short. It has been, it is a most cruel affliction. Till yesterday, I believe, she never doubted his regard; and even now, perhaps—but I am almost convinced that he never was really attached to her. He has been very deceitful! and, in some points, there seems a hardness of heart about him.”