“But, Dot, my darling, we’ll be awfully poor.”
“D’you think I care? I only worshipped riches because I hadn’t got you. Luxury was the god I set up in your place. I tried to drown my love in a butt of Malmsey. But, you see, it couldn’t be done. Malmsey’s sickening stuff. I’ld much sooner drink beer. And now about this old trial. I’m to be in attendance, in case——”
“Oh, damn the trial,” said Pembury, taking her in his arms. “I haven’t kissed your blessed mouth since——”
“August the seventh, 1914,” said Elizabeth. “I’ve got it down in a diary. ‘He kissed my lips.’ ”
“My sweet, my sweet. . . .”
The girl just clung to him.
After a moment or two she lifted a radiant face.
“I think I shall have to marry you, whether you’re convicted or not. You see, you’re not only my Best Man—you’re so much the very best man I ever saw.”
On Monday, those sections of the Press which had been hoping to be able to announce Sensational Developments under the heading WELL-KNOWN VISCOUNT CHARGED were more than satisfied.