But he never got beyond a certain portentousness, as it were.

It's my belief now that he wanted to tell me, but couldn't quite bring himself to it.

I am very sorry that he didn't." "Do you know how long your brother has been aware of this earlier marriage ?" "Quite recently, I believe.

He gave us to understand yesterday that it was a death-bed confession." "Are there any proofs of the earlier marriage ?" "I am afraid I cannot enlighten you on that point either." "This is very strange," said Barrant.

"The proofs are very important.