“It has surprised me, my lord, and it will surprise many others, I expect—more particularly your grand-daughter.”
“Poor girl! She clung to his memory with a pertinacity which was most remarkable.”
“She is not to be blamed for that, my lord.”
“I say she is!” cried the earl, in one of his tantrums—“I say she is! It is the only thing we disagree upon—have always disagreed upon.”
The lawyer shrugged his shoulders, but did not offer any observation in reply.
“Mr. Wrench has done exceedingly well in this business, as, indeed, he always has done, and he shall not go unrewarded. Now what are your ulterior proceedings.”
“Matters are now simplified, and a divorce can be obtained without any difficulty.”
“You have enough evidence?”
“Wrench says so. It will, of course, be an unopposed suit, that is already understood.”
“Dear me, Chicknell, this is indeed joyful news. It seems to remove a weight off my heart, and give me renewed life and vigour. I cannot sufficiently express to you my sense of gratitude. Do, my dear friend, set to work at once. Lose no time, but avoid as much exposure as possible. I don’t want any public scandal.”