"By bringing forward a man called Jeremiah Trall as a witness."
"Clara's uncle!" said Olive, nodding. "I know. Mr. Mallow told me all about him. Oh! and I am married to this man."
"No, you are not, Mrs. Carson--or, rather, I should say, Miss Bellairs."
"Lord Aldean!" cried Mrs. Purcell, while Olive remained silent, too amazed for words, "I trust that you are not about to inform me that this profligate has contracted a previous matrimonial alliance."
"No, but he is not Angus Carson, and he therefore married Miss Bellairs under a false name. To do this wittingly nullifies a marriage."
"Are you certain of that?" asked Olive, pale and anxious.
"Certain. Mallow saw Dimbal about it, and, to make doubly sure, they took counsel's opinion on the subject. You are not married."
Tui threw her arms round her friend's neck.
"Oh, Olive," she said aloud, and then whispered slily, "I know why Mr. Mallow consulted the lawyer."
"The iniquity of the fellow is preposterous," said Mrs. Purcell, in her most stately tone; "nevertheless, if our dear Olive can be freed from her matrimonial bonds, I shall rejoice sincerely and without reserve."