Darting a look of agony at Edie’s white face and the wreath and veil fallen aside, Guest drew back for the door to be closed, but Miss Jerrold made an imperious sign.
“No, no; come with us,” she said hoarsely. “You must help me; and explain. I dare not face my brother alone.”
Guest sprang into the carriage, the door was shut quickly, and the footman leaped to his place as the horses started forward with a loud trampling of hoofs, but not quickly enough to take them beyond the hearing of a derisive cheer.
Chapter Five.
A brave Defence.
“The hotel! The idiot! To want to take us back there to face the half-hidden mockery and jokes of all those strangers. Oh, it’s maddening!”
Sir Mark leaned forward, lowered the front window, and shouted to the coachman to drive faster.
“I saw them,” he continued as he flung himself back in his seat, “the whole mob in the church sniggling with delight. Curse them! And that fellow, Stratton! If ever we stand face to face again I’ll—Oh, I hope he will never have the audacity to come near me, for his own sake.”