He had been out of town at the time of her wedding and since then, fearful of dead words laid out in ink, she had waited for his return to explain, possibly to justify, her position.
"I came back to town to-night, and found your note," he said in hearty greeting to Jinny. "You bid me to a wedding feast and omit the magic names."
"How absurd of me. It's Jerry; Jerry and Jane. Mrs. Paxton, this is Mr. Christiansen," she added, leading him to Jane.
His face went slowly white.
"Mrs. Paxton?" he questioned.
"Mr. Christiansen and I are friends," Jane said, with dry lips, giving him a limp hand.
"Not very good ones, I fear, since I hear this news of you so casually. My felicitations, Mrs. Paxton," he added. "Where is your lucky husband?"
"Right at hand, thank you. How are you, Mr. Christiansen? I hear that you and my wife are old friends," said Jerry jocularly.
"You are a very fortunate man, Mr. Paxton; I congratulate you," the big fellow answered.
The gaiety began again, the moment was passed. At the first opportunity Christiansen came to Jane's side.