He stuck it out ungraciously, and averted his head; she took it, suppressed with difficulty a petty desire to pinch, and so walked by his side. He was as much at his ease as if promenading jungles with a panther. She felt him quiver with repugnance under her soft hand; and prolonged the irritating contact. She walked very slowly, and told him with much meaning she was waiting for a signal. “Till then,” said she, “we will keep one another company;” biting the word with her teeth as it went out.
By-and-by a window was opened in the asylum, and a table-cloth hung out. Mrs. Archbold pointed it out to Alfred; he stared at it; and after that she walked him rapidly home in silence. But, as soon as the door was double-locked on him, she whispered triumphantly in his ear—
“Your mother-in-law was expected to-day; that signal was to let me know she was gone.”
“My mother-in-law!” cried the young man, and tried in vain to conceal his surprise and agitation.
“Ay; your mother-in-law, that shall never be. Mrs. Dodd.”
“Mrs. Dodd here!” said Alfred, clasping his hands. Then he reflected, and said coolly: “It is false; what should she come here for?”
“To see your father-in-law.”
“My father-in-law? What, is he here, too?” said Alfred with an incredulous sneer.
“Yes, the raving maniac that calls himself Thompson, and that you took to from the first: he is your precious father-in-law—that shall never be.”
Alfred was now utterly amazed, and bewildered. Mrs. Archbold eyed him in silent scorn.