he
seemed to be in no hurry to make use of the leave granted him to go on
shore. The faithful Stone was the only man on board who knew that he was
afraid of meeting his "wife." This good friend volunteered to go to the
inn, and make the necessary investigation with all needful prudence.
"Four years is a long time, at _her_ age," he said. "Many things may
happen in four years."

An hour later, Stone returned to the ship, and sent a written message on
board, addressed to his brother-officer, in these words: "Pack up your
things at once, and join me on shore."

"What news?" asked the anxious husband.

Stone looked significantly at the idlers on the landing-place. "Wait,"
he said, "till we are by ourselves."

"Where are we going?"

"To the railway station."

They got into an empty carriage; and Stone at once relieved his friend
of all further suspense.

"Nobody is acquainted with the secret of your marriage, but our two
selves," he began quietly. "I don't think, Cosway, you need go into
mourning."

"You don't mean to say she's dead!"

"I have seen a letter (written by her own lawyer) which announces her
death," Stone replied. "It was so short that I believe I can repeat it
word for word: 'Dear Sir--I have received information of the death of
my client. Please address your next and last payment, on account of
the lease and goodwill of the inn, to the executors of the late Mrs.
Cosway.' There, that is the letter. 'Dear Sir' means the present
proprietor of the inn. He told me your wife's previous history in two
words. After carrying on the business with her customary intelligence
for more than three years, her health failed, and she went to London
to consult a physician. There she remained under the doctor's care.
The next event was the appearance of an agent, instructed to sell the
business in consequence of the landlady's declining health. Add the
death at a later time--and there is the beginning and the end of the
story. Fortune owed you a good turn, Cosway--and Fortune has paid the
debt. Accept my best congratulations."

Arrived in London, Stone went on at once to his relations in the North.
Cosway proceeded to the office of the family lawyer (Mr. Atherton),
who had taken care of his interests in his absence. His father and Mr.
Atherton had been schoolfellows and old friends. He was affectionately
received, and was invited to pay a visit the next day to the lawyer's
villa at Richmond.

"You will be near eno