"Why not?" demanded Titania; "why not, Augustin?"
"Of course not," interjected the bishop, hastily.
"Why not, I ask?" repeated the duchess.
"Oh, well, you know," said Bradstock, "when you come to think of it, wouldn't one be enough to be remorseful for having behaved like a scoundrel?"
The duchess collapsed.
"Dear me! so it would," she said, weakly. "Now I come to think of it, one would be sufficient. Nothing is explained or can be explained till we find Penelope."
The same feeling of desperation inspired the lovers in the various hotels. Their hopeless passion grew upon them. The sense of mystery deepened. They were sorry for Penelope, for the others, for themselves. What did she mean by it? They were all agreed now about the adoption theory, though they stuck to it manfully that they were married to her. Each one believed the infant was adopted, while he nobly claimed it as his own. They were really noble creatures, and showed themselves worthy of a better fate. A peculiar feeling of sympathy grew up among them, as it does among the unfortunate who are yet strong enough not to be overwhelmed. They spoke to each other again. Goby took De Vere's arm and walked about with him.
"I wish I could tell you all the truth, old chap," sighed Goby.
"Ah, so do I," said the poet. "A great passion is a wonderful thing, Goby."
"So it is, old chap," said Goby. "Do you remember the happy days we spent in your home when we read Browning and Shelley together, and you explained your poems to me?"