If he could have declared it all at once,--at first, with a smile on his face, then expressing his disgust at the woman's falsehood,--it would have been better.

'That woman has written me a letter in which she declares herself to be--my wife!' 'Your wife! John! Your wife ?' These exclamations came from her almost with a shriek as she jumped up from his arms and for a moment stood before him.
'Come back to me,' he said.

Then again she seated herself.

'You did not leave me then because you doubted me ?' 'Oh no,' she cried, throwing herself upon him and smothering him with kisses--'No, no! It was surprise at such horrid words,--not doubt, not doubt of you.

I will never doubt you.' 'It was because I was sure of you that I have ventured to tell you this.' 'You may be sure of me,' she said, sobbing violently the while.