"I have examined the town-records in vain," he continued; "and she told me in the first place that she had no certificate."
"And you dare to think she was never married!"
"Who said I thought that?" he returned, smiling at her vehemence. "I have to look at things in a legal light; and for this business she is to be considered single until there's proof of her marriage produced."
"You insult her and all the family," Patty said hotly, all her Sanford blood rising in wrath. "I had, at least, believed you a gentleman."
They had reached the Shanklands's gate; and she left him without a word further, entering the house with her head carried like that of an offended goddess. As she came into the parlor, she encountered a perfect whirlwind of voices in question, exclamation, and remonstrance.
"Where have you been?"
"What made you so late?"
"O Patty! do you think we ought to have green lights for the death-scene? It makes everybody look so horridly ghastly."
"We've been waiting an age for you."
"There, there!" exclaimed Patty. "Please don't all speak at once. I'm as cross as an Arab," she added, forcing a smile; "and my name is a misnomer."