So they set out together through the park, making for unfrequented roads and lanes, and walking fast.
Neither of them spoke for some time. Then Ella said: "I'm afraid it hasn't been much of a success; but I think you were right all the same."
"Right in what?" he asked. "In having a pukka wedding?"
"I didn't mean that, but I think you were right there, too. It showed, anyhow, that you weren't ashamed of it."
This was pretty plain speaking. But he had encouraged that from her. And she had already discussed Maurice with him.
"It was rather tiresome to have them all turning up their noses at him," he said. "It reflected on Caroline, and I felt it because of that. For myself I don't mind much. I took my own line long ago, and I've no reason to regret it. If you've done what you think is right, you're not much affected by the opinion of other people, especially when they don't judge by your standards. Do you think my poor little Caroline noticed it?"
"Noticed the sort of atmosphere of disapproval, do you mean?"
"She can hardly have helped noticing it. Did she mind?"
"I expect she would rather not have had him subjected to that test. It's the worst he'll ever have to go through, poor boy. But she would look upon it in the same way as you do—only more so. She would know that they couldn't judge him as she does. I expect it would make her feel all the more tender towards him. What he is is for her alone."
"Then I don't think we need worry. And it's all over for her now. All over for me, too. Ella, I'm feeling it damnably. I came out to get myself straight. As you've come with me you must allow me to be purely egoistic. I want to go back rather happier than I came out. You helped me before; I believe you can help me now."