It is untrue--I am not his wife! I have never been his wife. It was a
lie! some foolish joke of his that he will not or cannot explain!"

He looked at her, blinking like one who suddenly finds himself in strong
light after the twilight or darkness.

"Not--not married?"

"I never saw that man in my life before I met him at Lady Linden's
house, not two weeks ago. All that he has said about our marriage, his
and mine, are foolish lies, something beyond my understanding!"

The General waved his hands helplessly.

"It is all extraordinary! Where can that foolish old woman have got hold
of this story? What's come to her? She used to be a very clear-minded--"

"It is not she, it is the man--the liar!" Joan cried bitterly. "I tell
you I don't understand the reason for it. I cannot understand, I don't
believe there is any reason. I believe that it is his idea of humour--I
can't even think that he wanted to annoy and shame and anger me as he
has, because we were utter strangers."

She stood at the window, looking out into the dull, respectable square.
She saw a man ascend the steps and ring on the hall door-bell, but he
did not interest her.

"I shall find work to do," she said, "soon. I am grateful to you
for--for taking me in, for giving me asylum here for a time--very, very
grateful. I know that you meant well when you brought that man and me