"I have made one mistake. Count Gustav's marriage is legal. Gareth is really his wife. Let the Duke know this."
I sent James Perry in with this note to the General and a message that I would be with him in one minute.
Then I ran up to Gareth. The poor child was sick from the suspense; but I noticed with intense satisfaction that she had been filling up some of the weary time of waiting by making herself look as pretty as possible.
"Is he here, Christabel? Oh, how my heart beats."
"Yes, dear, he is here. He is with your father now, telling him all; and you are to come with me to the Duke." I put it so intentionally, that she might believe Gustav had expressed the wish.
"What do we not owe you, Christabel?" she cried, kissing me tenderly. "But I'd rather see Kar—Gustav, first. I've been practising that name ever since you left me; but it sounds so strange. The other will come out first."
"Try and remember it with the Duke, Gareth. It doesn't matter with any one else so much."
"Oh, I can't go to him. I can't. He is such a stern and terrible old man, so—Gustav says. I got it nearly right that, time, didn't I?" and she laughed.
"It will soon come quite naturally, dear. Are you ready? He may not like it if we keep him waiting."
I looked at her critically, gave a touch or two to her fair hair, and kissed her. "You look very beautiful, Gareth."