"He is coming also to marry Miss Randolph. Both weddings will take place on the same day, and Conniston has escaped the dangers of the war with a slight touch of fever. But why tell you all this—you know it as well as I do."
"What's that?" asked Miss Berengaria, coming up to the pair.
"I was only discussing Miss Malleson's future life," said Durham.
"Ah," sighed the old lady, sitting down. "What I shall do without her I don't know."
"Dear aunt," said Alice, kissing the faded cheek, "I shall not be far away. The Hall is within visiting distance."
"That's all very well," said Miss Berengaria. "But Bernard will want you all to himself, and small blame to him. What is the time?"
Alice glanced at her watch. "It's nearly three, and the train arrives at half-past," she said. "Oh, I wish we could meet them."
"Not at all," rejoined Miss Berengaria, brusquely, "better wait here with Lucy. She will be over soon. I don't want a scene of kissing and weeping on the platform. But, I must say, I am glad both those boys are back."
"You will have them as near neighbors, Miss Berengaria," said the lawyer. "Bernard at Gore Hall and Conniston at the castle."
"I hope he and Lucy won't live there," said the old lady, rubbing her nose. "A dreadfully damp place. I went over there the other day to tell Mrs. Moon about Jerry."