"No--yes, once; but she was so ill, and my presence disturbed her so much, that the doctor would not let me see her again. Then I went one day, and heard that she was dead and buried."
"Why did you not go to the funeral?" asked Ruck sneeringly.
"I did not know that she was dead. I remained away from the house--it was in Kensington--for a long time, as it was useless for me to go and see her; and the doctor always kept me advised as to how she was going on. However, he gave me no notice of her death, and she was buried when I next heard news."
Beatrice expressed surprise. "But surely the doctor was wrong in not telling you she was dying? You should have been with her."
"I should; but the doctor neglected to inform me. I had a row with him about the matter. However, I got the certificate, which you hold, and saw the grave; so I am now free to marry you--that is, if you will have me after what you have heard."
Beatrice did not reply immediately to this question. "We can talk of that when we are alone," she said, and glanced towards Ruck, who still lounged in his chair.
"That is a hint for me to go," he said, rising lazily. "Well, I shall go--unless you will marry me?"
"Were you the last man in the world I should not marry you," said the girl quietly; "and I do not see why you wish to."
"We talked about that before," said Ruck, taking up his hat; "but now that the real Prince Charming has come on the scene, I see that there is no chance for me. I will allow you to marry Paslow----"
"Allow me!" cried Miss Hedge indignantly. "Allow me!" echoed Vivian, clenching his fists.