This gave Chatty a little consolation. "Theo says—it is all wrong, that it ought to be dropped," she said.
"Theo has become severe in his judgments, Chatty."
"Has he? he was always a little severe. He got angry"—Chatty did not observe the look of recognition in Lady Markland's face, as of a fact connu. She went on slowly: "I wish that you would give me your opinion. I thought for a long time I was the first person to be thought of, and that Dick must do everything that could be done to set us right. But now it seems that is not the right view. Mamma hesitates,—she will not speak. Oh, will you tell me what you think——!"
"About," said Lady Markland, faltering, "the divorce?"
"I don't seem to know what it means; that poor creature—do people think she is—anything to him?"
"She is his wife, my dear."
"His—wife! But then I—am married to him."
"Dear Chatty, not except in form, a form which her appearance broke at once."
Chatty began to tremble, as if with cold. "I shall always feel that I am married to him. He may not be bound, but I am bound—till death do ye part."
"My dear, all that was made as if it never had been said by the appearance of the—wife."