“It astonishes me, Dick. But why should you look at me so strangely?”
“I don’t know myself,” said the young man. “I feel suspicious and queer about everything. He loved you, Barbara.”
“He said so, but men quickly change,” said the girl. Then she added with spirit, “I never could bear him. I was grateful to him for what he did for mother, but I never could bear him for himself. It is a relief that he is married. Who is the girl?”
“You will never guess her name.”
“Then tell me, if I am not likely to guess.”
“Barbara, he must have done this for a reason. He has married that red-haired nurse who attended little Piers when he was ill.”
Barbara’s utter astonishment was reflected in her face. A queer thrill of alarm ran through her frame.
“Sit still,” said Pelham. “I must ask you to share my burden with me. That marriage confirms a suspicion which I hold.”
“What, Dick—what?”
Pelham began to pace up and down the room.