On the whole, I am pretty sure
she was not."
Sir Norman felt as if a ton weight had been suddenly hoisted from
the region of his heart.
"Was she anybody else's wife?"
"I think not. I'm inclined to think that, except myself, she did
not know another man in London."
"Then why was she dressed as a bride?" inquired Sir Norman,
rather mystified.
"Was she? My poor Leoline!" said the stranger, sadly. "Because-"
he hesitated, "because - in short, Sir Norman," said the stranger,
decidedly, "I decline answering any more questions!"
"I shall find out, for all that," said Sir Norman, "and here I
shall bid you good-night, for this by-path leads to my
destination."
"Good-night," said the stranger, "and be careful, Sir
Norman-remember, the plague is abroad."
"And so are highwaymen!" called Sir Norman after him, a little
maliciously; but a careless laugh from the stranger was the only
reply as he galloped away.
CHAPTER V.
THE DWARF AND THE RUIN.
The by-path down which Sir Norman rode, led to an inn, "The
Golden Crown," about a quarter of a mile from the ruin. Not
wishing to take his horse, lest it should lead to discovery, he
proposed leaving it here till his return; and, with this
intention, and the strong desire for a glass of wine - for the
heat and his ride made him extremely thirsty - he dismounted at
the door, and consigning the animal to the care of a hostler, he
entered the bar-room.
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