Salome was scarcely sane. Married that morning, with the approval and congratulations of all her friends, by one of the most venerable fathers of the church, to one of the most distinguished young noblemen in the peerage, who was also the sole master of her heart, and—
Flying from her bridegroom this afternoon as from her worst and most hated enemy!
She could not realize her situation at all.
All seemed a horrible nightmare dream, from which she was powerless to arouse herself; in which she was compelled to act a painful part, until some merciful influence from without should awaken and deliver her!
In this dream she was whirled onward toward the South Coast, on that clear, autumnal afternoon.
In this dream she reached Dover, and got out at the station amid all the confusion attending the arrival of the tidal train, and the babel of voices from cabmen, porters, hotel runners, and such, shouting their offers of:
"Carriage, sir!"
"Carriage, ma'am!"
"Steamboat!"
"Calais steamer!"