But when Adrian told her that Richard had left town, her struggling hope sank. “The wretched boy has ruined himself!” she said, and sat down trembling.
Oh! that System! The delicate vituperations gentle ladies use instead of oaths, Mrs. Doria showered on that System. She hesitated not to say that her brother had got what he deserved. Opinionated, morbid, weak, justice had overtaken him. Now he would see! but at what a price! at what a sacrifice!
Mrs. Doria, commanded Adrian to confirm her fears.
Sadly the wise youth recapitulated Berry’s words. “He was married this morning at half-past eleven of the clock, or twenty to twelve, by licence, at the Kensington parish church.”
“Then that was his appointment!” Mrs. Doria murmured.
“That was the cake for breakfast!” breathed a second of her sex.
“And it was his ring!” exclaimed a third.
The men were silent, and made long faces.
Clare stood cold and sedate. She and her mother avoided each other’s eyes.
“Is it that abominable country person, Adrian?”