第169章 MR. COSWAY AND THE LANDLADY.(44)

The light flooded the room, and showed him-- His Wife.

_The Third Epoch in Mr. Cosway's Life._

Three days had passed. Cosway sat alone in his lodging--pale and worn: the shadow already of his former self.

He had not seen Adela since the discovery. There was but one way in which he could venture to make the inevitable disclosure--he wrote to her; and Mr. Atherton's daughter took care that the letter should be received. Inquiries made afterward, by help of the same good friend, informed him that Miss Restall was suffering from illness.

The mistress of the house came in.

"Cheer up, sir, " said the good woman. "There is better news of Miss Restall to-day."He raised his head.

"Don't trifle with me!" he answered fretfully; "tell me exactly what the servant said."The mistress repeated the words. Miss Restall had passed a quieter night, and had been able for a few hours to leave her room. He asked next if any reply to his letter had arrived. No reply had been received.

If Adela definitely abstained from writing to him, the conclusion would be too plain to be mistaken. She had given him up--and who could blame her?

There was a knock at the street-door. The mistress looked out.