“Well, you see it is rather awkward—but—but I believe it was your wish, and—your husband’s for your marriage at present to be kept a secret?”
“Certainly,” said John Temple, rather quickly.
“And—my nephew knew Miss Churchill, you know, Mr. Temple, before her marriage, and when he meets her again—” hesitated Miss Webster.
“He had better know her as Miss Churchill still,” answered John, gravely. “For both our sakes, Miss Webster, for the present our marriage must be kept an absolute secret.”
Miss Webster stirred uneasily, and May blushed deeply, and also made a slight restless movement.
“It is absolutely necessary,” repeated John; “but if you wish, May, that Miss Webster’s friends should know you are married, why not take another name?”
“We will talk of it afterward,” said May, gently.
“But, my dear,” he answered, and he looked at his watch as he spoke, “we shall not have very long to talk of anything this evening. I must go upstairs and look after my traps, if Miss Webster will excuse me, for the cab I ordered will be here in half an hour. You had better come with me, May.”
So the two left the room together, and when they were alone John put his arm around May’s waist and drew her to his breast and kissed her face.