Mrs. Temple was listlessly reading the newspaper, and she looked up somewhat surprised when he entered the room, as she did not know of Mr. Churchill’s visit.
“I have got some news for you, Rachel,” said Mr. Temple.
“News?” asked Mrs. Temple, quickly.
“Yes; John Temple is married to Miss Churchill; must have married her two days after he left here in the autumn, when he said he went to Paris—that must have been his wedding trip.”
Mrs. Temple started to her feet, and her face flushed and then grew pale.
“Is this possible?” she said. “Are you sure?”
“Mr. Churchill has just been here, and he brought with him a copy of the register of their marriage. There can be no mistake, and yet I do not understand John’s conduct, or why he was so reticent about it, when I distinctly told him that if he had induced her to leave her home that it was his duty to make her his wife.”
“There is something to hide, something he is keeping back!” cried Mrs. Temple, excitedly. “But you say they are actually married?”
“They are certainly married, and Rachel, now that the thing is done, we must try to make the best of it. Naturally it is not what I wished for John—still—”
“I should think not!” interrupted Mrs. Temple, scornfully. “A tenant farmer’s daughter—truly her pretty face has made her fortune!”