I said 'supposed' because the facts of the case are not definitely known.

There can be no reasonable doubt, however, that he is dead, for even if this fact had not been conclusively proved by the police investigations, it might now be considered proved by his continued absence.

It would have been impossible for Mr.Chester alive to keep away from his wife for four years--they were devoted to each other.

Furthermore, the exact manner of his death is not known--although it must have been a murder--and for these reasons I used the word 'supposed.' But, really, so far as human judgment can go, the whole matter is a certainty.

I have not the slightest doubt in the world that Mrs.Chester so considers it, and yet, as she does not positively know it--as she has not the actual proofs that her husband is no longer living--she refuses in certain ways, in certain ways only, to consider herself a widow." "And what ways are those ?" I asked, in a voice which, I hope, exhibited no undue emotion.
"She declines to marry again," said Mrs.Larramie, now taking up the conversation.