They rode homeward in silence. As they passed the Warrington place, Mr. Haldene again spoke.
"Warrington is home over Sunday. Saw him on horseback this morning."
"There's one thing I'm thankful for: the wedding will not be in Herculaneum."
"Humph!"
"It's disgusting; and we shall have to receive her. But I do not envy her her lot."
"Neither do I," said Haldene. "You women have already mapped out a nice little hell for her. Why should you be so vindictive simply because she is an actress? If she is good and honest, what the deuce?"
"There's no use arguing with you."
"I'm glad you've found that out. You'd find out lots of other things if you stayed home long enough. I shall treat the woman decently."
"I dare say all you men will."
"And you, Madam, shall be among the first to call on her. Mind that!"