"Because," she answered slowly at last in a tremulous voice so low that
I could scarce distinguish the fatal words she uttered, "because I am
already married!"
"Married!" I gasped, standing rigid. "And your husband! His name!"
"Cannot you guess?" she asked. "The man you have already seen--Herbert
Hales." Her eyes were cast down from me as though in shame, while her
pointed chin sank upon her panting breast.