"My dear," she said, aghast, "are you in your right mind?"
"Of course I am. I must and will know the truth about this man, and, what is more, I intend to hear it from his own lips."
"But--but that woman!" gasped Miss Slarge.
"If I am not married to the man, she is nothing to me. Lord Aldean, will you take me to Florence?"
"Certainly," said Jim, promptly; "and I think that you are brave and right to face your troubles so boldly."
"She is a heroine," cried Tui; then whispered softly, "and you are a dear."
"Pray consider the feelings of society," boomed Mrs. Purcell.
"I prefer to consider my own, thank you. It is no use talking, my mind is made up, and Lord Aldean has consented to take me. I must know how I stand towards this man. I must hear from himself that he is not Carson, and I must recover the money stolen from me."
"Oh dear me!" wailed Miss Slarge. "Can't you wait until Mr. Brock calls? He is in town. He writes to say that he will visit us to-morrow afternoon."
"Can't wait," struck in Aldean, judiciously; "promised Mallow to follow Semberry next train. Must be off nine sharp."