Then followed the sumptuous wedding-breakfast. While the merriment was at its height, Varrick touched her lightly on the arm.
"It wants but an hour and twenty minutes until train time. Would it not be best to slip away now and arrange your traveling toilet?"
"Yes," said Gerelda.
No one noticed their exit, and at last they were alone together, away from the throng of guests; but, much to the bride's disappointment, her newly made husband did not seem to realize this fact, and Gerelda's face flushed with disappointment.
He escorted her as far as the door of her boudoir, and there he left her, saying that he would return in half an hour, hoping that would be sufficient time to exchange her bridal robes for her traveling-dress. She smiled and nodded, declaring that he should find her ready before that time.
Hubert walked slowly on until he found himself at the door of the conservatory.
"It wouldn't be a bad idea to get a cigar and return here for a quiet smoke," he thought.
He immediately suited the action to the thought. Was it fate that led him there? He had scarcely seated himself in one of the rustic arm-chairs ere he heard the sound of approaching voices.
He felt slightly annoyed that the retreat he had chosen was to be invaded at that particular moment.
He drew back among the large-leaved plants, which would effectually screen him from the intruders, and hoped that their stay would be short.