miscreant was the actual and true husband of the poor lady whom he
would have to see. But it was necessary that this should be proved.
Castle Richmond for the family, and all earthly peace of mind for
that unfortunate lady and gentleman, were not to be given up on the
bare word of a scheming scoundrel, for whom no crime would be too
black, and no cruelty too monstrous. The proofs must be looked into
before anything was done, and they must be looked into before
anything was said--to Lady Fitzgerald. We surely may give her that
name as yet.

But then, how were they to get at the proofs--at the proofs one way
or the other? That Mollett himself had his marriage certificate Sir
Thomas declared. That evidence had been brought home to his own mind
of the identity of the man--though what was the nature of that
evidence he could not now describe--as to that he was quite
explicit. Indeed, as I have said above, he almost refused to
consider the question as admitting of a doubt. That Mollett was the
man to whom his wife had been married he thoroughly believed; and,
to tell the truth, Mr. Prendergast was afraid to urge him to look
for much comfort in this direction. The whole manner of the man,
Mollett, had been such as to show that he himself was sure of his
ground. Mr. Prendergast could hardly doubt that he was the man,
although he felt himself bound to remark that nothing should be said
to Lady Fitzgerald till inquiry had been made. Mr. Mollett himself
would be at Castle Richmond on the next day but one, in accordance
with the appointment made by himself; and, if necessary, he could be
kept in custody till he had been identified as being the man, or as
not being the man, who had married Miss Wainwright.

"There is nobody living with you now who knew Lady Fitzgerald at