Margaret. Nothing has changed.

Rector. Changed?

Miss Fairfield. My nephew has recovered—returned. He’s in the house now.

Rector. Providence! It’s providence! [With enthusiasm] I never knew anything like providence. Changed indeed, Miss Fairfield! My objection goes. Dear little Sydney! Ah, Mrs. Fairfield, in a year you and your husband will look back on this—episode as on a dream—a bad dream—

Margaret. [Stonily] I have no husband.

Rector. Ah! the re-marriage—a mere formality—

Miss Fairfield. Simpler still—the decree can be rescinded.

Margaret. [Stunned] Aunt Hester, knowing his history, knowing mine, is it possible that you expect me to go back to him?

Miss Fairfield. He’s come back to you.

Rector. A wife’s duty—