Brian of the Abbey, that Brian who would have given his life to save her this agony of humiliation, stood on the threshold of the window watching her. Could it be that she was false as fair—she whom he had so trusted and honoured?
Urania had left off playing, and was watching the scene with a triumphant smile. She looked at Mr. Wendover of the Abbey with a look that meant, 'Perhaps now you can believe what I told you about this girl?'
Aunt Betsy was the first to speak,
'Ida,' she said, standing up, 'is there any truth in this statement?'
'That question is not very complimentary to your nephew!' said Brian
Walford.
'I am not thinking of my nephew—I am thinking of this girl, whom I have loved and trusted.'
'I was unworthy of your love and your trust,' answered Ida, looking at Miss Wendover with wide, despairing eyes. 'It is quite true—I am his wife—but he has no right to claim me. It was agreed between us that we should part—for ever—that our marriage was to be as if it had never been. It was our secret—nobody was ever to know.'
'And pray, after having married him, why did you wish to cancel your marriage?' asked Colonel Wendover, in a freezing voice. 'You married him of your own free will I suppose?'
'Of my own free will—yes.'
'Then why repent all of a sudden?'