Whitelaw, when you suspected him of
some share in this vile business. He has shown himself really devoted to
her. I thank God that it has proved so. And now tell me more about this
affair; your letter explains so little."
"I will tell you all, sir."
They walked in the garden for about a quarter of an hour before Gilbert
went into the house. Eager as he was to see Marian, he was still more
anxious to hear full particulars of that foul plot of which she had been
made the victim. Ellen Whitelaw told him the story very plainly, making
no attempt to conceal her husband's guilty part in the business; and the
story being finished, she took him straight to the parlour where he had
seen Marian for the first time after her marriage.
It was a warm bright day, and all three windows were open. Marian was
sitting by one of them, with some scrap of work lying forgotten in her
lap. She started up from her seat as Gilbert went into the room, and
hastened forward to meet him.
"How good of you to come!" she cried. "And you have brought me news of my
husband? I am sure of that."
"Yes, dear Mrs. Holbrook--Mrs. Saltram; may I not call you by that name
now?--I know all; and have forgiven all."
"Then you know how deeply he sinned against you, and how much he valued
your friendship? He would never have played so false a part but for that.
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