“It might be forged.”
“It’s not forged,” said the girl sweetly.
“John C. Cunningham, 21 ... Jessie Lincoln, 18,” he read aloud.... “I’ll smash his face for that, the blackguard. That’s certainly his signature, I’ve seen it at the bank.... The blackguard.”
“Now James, don’t be hasty.”
“I thought it would be better this way than after the ceremony,” put in the girl in her little sugar voice. “I wouldnt have Jack commit bigamy for anything in the world.”
“Where’s Maisie?”
“The poor darling is prostrated in her room.”
Merivale’s face was crimson. The sweat itched under his collar. “Now dearest” Mrs. Merivale kept saying, “you must promise me not to do anything rash.”
“Yes Maisie’s reputation must be protected at all costs.”
“My dear I think the best thing to do is to get him up here and confront him with this ... with this ... lady.... Would you agree to that Mrs. Cunningham?”