"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."