"I don't see why not," the other rejoined. "She's her own mistress. She's of age, and a widow, and of sound mind."
The viscount maintained a rather disconcerting silence for the space of several seconds, puffing at his pipe and following the smoke with his eyes. Then he patted the head of the nearest dog with the toe of his boot.
When, finally, he spoke, it was to ask: "Did you ever hear me spoken of as her lover?"
"Yes," answered Carleigh, surprised beyond words.
Kneedrock raised his head and his eyes as they rested for a moment upon Sir Caryll's were curiously devoid of expression.
"I was," he said with a sort of dry grimness. "I'm more than that—I'm her husband."
CHAPTER XXVI
Three Persons Go Three Ways
As he realized the full meaning of Lord Kneedrock's amazing statement, the young and unhappy baronet started. His eyes opened very wide and his jaw dropped, leaving his mouth open, too, though not so wide.