"You know that the Doctor is there, madam?"
"The Doctor, sir! But what doctor do you allude to?"
"Dr. W—, of course."
"Dr. W—, my husband!" exclaimed she in evident astonishment.
Burr discovered that circumstances had favored him. He had supposed that she knew the doctor was gone to New Hampshire, though she was ignorant of his errand thither.
"He is certainly in New Hampshire, madam, for I saw him there two days ago, and he sent a message by me to you."
"What was it, sir? It doubtless explains why he altered his original intention, which was to go into Connecticut."
"I beg pardon," said Burr; "such was not the nature of his communication. He wished me to say, that, owing to unexpected circumstances, he should not return under two weeks."
"You surprise me, sir. Did he not say why he went to New Hampshire?"
Burr bit his lip, as if mortified at having revealed a fact which the doctor wished to conceal.
"He did say something about Connecticut," and now I recollect, madam, that—that—bit I fear that I have distressed you."
The young wife remained silent, but looked pale and trembled.
"What his business is with Miss Johnson," continued Burr, "I do not know, but—
"With whom, sir?"
"Miss Johnson, madam. You have doubtless heard of Miss Johnson?"
"Not I. Did he tell you that he should call on a lady of that name?"
"Oh, no. I thought you knew that, as a matter of course. I am not acquainted with the young lady, but report speaks of her as being very handsome."
"You learned—"
"I learned from a gentleman in Concord, New Hampshire, that Doctor W— frequently visited a Miss Johnson, who resides near his house. But, you seem affected, madam. Perhaps I ought to have left it to your husband to explain the matter."
"I have long suspected something wrong, sir, and now I see it all."
"I don't say that. The young lady is probably some patient of his; or, indeed, she may be a relative. You have no cause to—"
"Oh! no, sir. Your interpretation is quite too charitable. Why should he tell me that his frequent absences are caused by business in Connecticut?"
"That does look—unaccountable," said Burr, hesitating. "Yet there are so many ways that—at least, he might have some cogent reasons for not telling you where he was going."
"Yes, sir, but he does tell me where he is going, and tells me falsely."
