But, by the by, I haven't told you I am likely to be removed very soon to a good, fat living, old boy, near Monmouth--but I will tell you all about it when we meet." Gwynne Ellis's present abode was on the borders of Gloucestershire, and here Cardo found him waiting for him at the station.
"It's only a mile, and I thought you would like a walk, so I have told the boy to fetch your luggage in the donkey cart." "A walk will be very acceptable after sitting all day cooped up in a railway-carriage." "Well, now, tell me all about your wife.

You know I have heard nothing since that one letter you wrote after you turned up again.

What adventures you have had, my dear fellow! and wasn't Valmai overjoyed to see you back again ?" "No, Ellis, and that is all I can say to you now.

It is a long story, and I would rather wait until later in the evening." "All right, old fellow, in the smoking-room to-night." And in the smoking-room that night they sat late, Cardo opening his heart to his friend, recounting to him the tale of his unfortunate illness in Australia, his return home, and the unexpected blow of Valmai's unrelenting anger and changed feelings towards him, culminating in her utter rejection of him, and refusal to live with him.
"Astounding!" said Gwynne Ellis, "I will not believe it.

It is a moral impossibility that that loving nature and candid mind, could ever so change in their characteristics, as to refuse to listen to reason, and that from the lips of one whom she loved so passionately, as she did you." "That is my feeling," said Cardo, "but alas! I have her own words to assure me of the bitter truth.