"So like a woman!" commented Bernard. "Or is it something in the air? I'll never bring Tessa out here when she's grown up, or she'll marry and be stuck here for the rest of her life."
"You can do as you like with Tessa," said Stella, and turned again to Sir Reginald. "Is that all you want of me now?"
"One thing more," he answered gently. "I hope I may say it without giving offence."
With a gesture all-unconsciously regal she gave him both her hands. "You may say—anything," she said impulsively.
He bent again courteously. "Mrs. Monck, will you invite me to witness the ratification of the bond already existing between my friend Everard Monck, and the lady who is honouring him by becoming his lawful wife?"
She flushed deeply but not painfully. "I will," she said. "Bernard, you will see to that, I know."
"Yes; leave it to me, dear!" said Bernard.
"Thank you," she said; and to Sir Reginald: "Good-bye! I am going to my husband now."
"Good-bye, Mrs. Monck!" he said. "And many thanks for your graciousness to a stranger."
"Oh no!" she answered quickly. "You are a friend—of us both."