"Oh, there's no need for that! Harry said you were to tell me before they arrived; that's why I sent for you now."
"He said I was to tell you——?"
"Yes, yes. Something you knew and I didn't; something that would explain it all."
She stood before him with clasped hands. "It's
quite true; he did say so," she pleaded. "It's all been so delightful, and yet so strange; and he told me to be ready either to stay here or to go home to-night! Tell me, tell me, Mr Neeld!"
"Why didn't he tell you himself?"
"I only saw him alone for an instant after the wedding; and before it he didn't say a word about there being anything to tell. There's a secret. What is it?"
He was glad to tell it. He had carried his burden long enough.
"We've all made a great blunder. Harry is Lord Tristram after all."
Mina stood silent for a moment. "Oh!" she gasped. "And he's married Cecily without telling her?"