“Mr. Gilder,” Fannie announced.
Mary put a question with so much of energy that Garson began finally to understand the depth of her vindictive feeling.
“Any one with him?”
“No, Miss Turner,” the maid answered.
“Have him come in,” Mary ordered.
Garson felt that he would be better away for the sake of the newly married pair at least, if not for his own. He made hasty excuses and went out on the heels of the maid. Aggie, however, consulting only her own wishes in the matter, had no thought of flight, and, if the truth be told, Mary was glad of the sustaining presence of another woman.
She got up slowly, and stood silent, while Aggie regarded her curiously. Even to the insensitive observer, there was something strange in the atmosphere.... A moment later the bridegroom entered.
He was still clean-cut and wholesome. Some sons of wealthy fathers are not, after four years experience of the white lights of town. And the lines of his face were firmer, better in every way. It seemed, indeed, that here was some one of a resolute character, not to be wasted on the trivial and gross things. In an instant, he had gone to her, had caught her in his arms with, “Hello, dear!” smothered in the kiss he implanted on her lips.
Mary strove vainly to free herself.
“Don't, oh, don't!” she gasped.