CHAPTER XXXVIII
[MISS ARNOTT'S MARRIAGE]
The charge against Jim Baker was withdrawn at the earliest possible moment. Hugh Morice was released that night from the confinement which he had himself invited. When Mr Nunn asked what had made him accuse himself of a crime of which he was altogether innocent he laughed.
"Since you yourself were about to charge one innocent person, you should be the last person in the world to object to my charging another."
The next day he went to Exham Park. There he saw its mistress. By degrees the whole tale was told. It took a long time in the telling. Part of it was told in the house, and then, as it still seemed unfinished, he went out with her upon her motor car. The rest of it was told upon the way.
"It seems," she pointed out, "that, as the wretch married that poor woman before he ever saw me, I never was his wife at all. I don't know if it's better that way or worse."
"Better."
"I'm not so sure."
"I am. Because, when you become my wife--"
She put the car on to the fourth speed. There was a long, straight, level road and not a soul in sight. They moved!
"You'll get into trouble if you don't look out."
"I'm not afraid."
"I was about to remark that when you become my wife--"
"I wish you wouldn't talk to me when we're going at this rate. You know it's dangerous."
"Get down on to the first speed at once." She did slow a trifle, which enabled him to speak without unduly imperilling their safety. "I was saying that when you become my wife I shall marry you as Miss Arnott--Violet Arnott, spinster. That will be your precise description. I prefer it that way, if you don't mind."
Whether she minded or not that was what he did. No one thereabouts had the dimmest notion what was her actual relation to the man who had met the fate which, after all, was not wholly undeserved. So that the great and glorious festival, which will not be forgotten in that countryside for many a day, is always spoken of by everyone who partook of the bride and bridegroom's splendid hospitality as "Miss Arnott's marriage."
It was indeed one of those marriages of which we may assuredly affirm, that those whom God hath joined no man shall put asunder.