"For only bringing you the news, Paul?"
"For only bringing me the news. When a messenger carries the tidings of a great victory to his king, the king makes him a knight upon the spot. This marriage is a victory to me, Lavinia. From to-day I shall breathe freely."
"But they are not married yet. Something may happen, perhaps, to prevent——"
"What should happen?" asked Paul, rather sharply. "By-the-bye, it will be as well to keep this from Mrs. John," he added, thoughtfully; "though really now I fancy it matters very little what she hears."
He tapped his forehead lightly with his two slim fingers, and there was a horrible significance in the action.
"She is not likely to hear anything," Mrs. Weston said; "she sees no one but Barbara Simmons."
"Then I should be glad if you would give Simmons a hint to hold her tongue. This news about the wedding would disturb her mistress."
"Yes, I'll tell her so. Barbara is a very excellent person. I can always manage Barbara. But oh, Paul, I don't know what I'm to do with that poor weak-witted husband of mine."
"How do you mean?"
"Oh, Paul, I have had such a scene with him to-day—such a scene! You remember the way he went on that day down in the boat-house when Edward Arundel came in upon us unexpectedly? Well, he's been going on as badly as that to-day, Paul,—or worse, I really think."