Old Mollett in discussing the matter with his victim had done so by hints and inuendos, through long windings, by signs and the dropping of a few dark words.

He had never once mentioned in full terms the name of Lady Fitzgerald; had never absolutely stated that he did possess or ever had possessed a wife.

It had been sufficient for him to imbue Sir Thomas with the knowledge that his son Herbert was in great danger as to his heritage.

Doubtless the two had understood each other; but the absolute naked horror of the surmised facts had been kept delicately out of sight.

But such delicacy was not to Aby's taste.