looked full into his face and recognised his features,
with all their senile peculiarities, did the amazing truth become
impressed upon me.

Around the bend in the river I stole stealthily after them, in order
to watch their movements, trying to catch their conversation,
although, unfortunately, it was in too low an undertone. He never
released her arm or changed his affectionate attitude towards her, but
appeared to be relating to her some long and interesting chain of
events to which she listened with rapt attention.

Along the river's edge, out in the open moonlight, it was difficult to
follow them without risk of observation. Now and then the elder-bushes
and drooping willows afforded cover beneath their deep shadow, but in
places where the river wound through the open water-meadows my
presence might at any moment be detected. Therefore the utmost
ingenuity and caution were necessary.

Having made the staggering discovery, I was determined to thoroughly
probe the mystery. The tragedy of old Mr. Courtenay's death had
resolved itself into a romance of the most mysterious and startling
character. As I crept forward over the grass, mostly on tiptoe, so as
to avoid the sound of my footfalls, I tried to form some theory to
account for the bewildering circumstance, but could discern absolutely
none.

Mary was still wearing her mourning; but about her head was wrapped a
white silk shawl, and on her shoulders a small fur cape, for the
spring night was chilly. Her husband had on a dark overcoat and soft
felt hat of the type he always wore, and carried in his hand a light
walking-stick. Once or twice he halted when he seemed to be impressing
his words the more forcibly upon her, and then I was compelled to stop
also and to conceal myself. I would have given much to overhear the
trend of their conversation, but strive how I would I was unable. They
seemed to fear eavesdroppers, and only spoke in low half-whispers.

I noticed how old Mr. Courtenay kept from time to time glancing around
him, as though in fear of detection; hence I was in constant dread
lest he should look behind him and discover me slinking along their
path. I am by no means an adept at following persons, but in this case
the stake was so great--the revelation of some startling and
unparalleled mystery--that I strained every nerve and every muscle to
conceal my presence while pushing forward after them.

Picture to yourself for a moment my position. The w