“And Miss Pelly—what does she believe?”
“That he is innocent,” exclaimed Mrs Glaire.
“And—and—does she consent to this union?”
“Yes, yes,” cried Mrs Glaire eagerly. “She feels hurt, and knows that she makes some sacrifice after my son’s ill-treatment; but she forgives him, knowing that it will save poor Richard, and it is for my sake too.”
“Poor girl!” he said, beneath his breath.
“God bless her! She is a good, good girl,” cried Mrs Glaire.
“God bless her!” he said softly. “Mrs Glaire, do you think she loves him?”
“Yes, yes; she has told me so a dozen times.”
“And you feel that this is for the best? Would it not be better to let there be a year’s term of probation first? It is a solemn thing this linking of two lives together.”
“Oh, yes, it is for the best, Mr Selwood—dear friend; and they must not wait. The wedding must be next week.”