Abel Force bowed deeply to the judge, and walked toward the group of ladies who were anxiously awaiting him.
Col. Anglesea stepped aside to let him pass, but hissed in his ear:
“There are other tribunals. And yet I will have my wife!”
Abel Force disdained reply, but gave his arm to Odalite, and told Le to give his to Mrs. Force.
And so they left the presence of the judge.
CHAPTER XX
AFTER THE ORDEAL
The capricious April weather had changed for the better. The rain had ceased. The sky was clear. The sun was shining.
As our party stood on the steps of the City Hall, waiting for their carriage to come up, Le spoke aside to the father of Odalite:
“Uncle, it is but two o’clock. Can we not drive immediately to St. John’s rectory, and have the interrupted marriage of yesterday completed? I suppose we would have to begin again at the beginning and have it all over again. Still that would give ample time to catch the New York express train, and reach the city in time to secure the Russ a for Liverpool.”
While Le spoke Mr. Force regarded him with amazement. When Le ceased Mr. Force replied: