"'Your husband is not on board? You are travelling alone?'
"'Owing'--dear mamma, I did almost break down then,--'owing to an unfortunate accident, my husband lost the boat. But, Baron, you must be under some delusion. Surely you are not having a jest at my expense?'
"'It is no jest! It is the truth! I am an officer.' He slapped his chest: you know the way he had when he said anything particularly absurd. 'My duty is my duty! Before that all other things must fade. If, as you say, you are Mrs. Conrad Godwin; if your husband is on board, or no matter where he is, I must proceed to your arrest.'
"'Mr. Pearson, you will not suffer this?'
"'Mrs. Godwin, I am helpless. We are in Belgium, and in Belgium we must do as the Belgians do.'
"'But the thing is monstrous! You will surely insist on this person's exhibiting the authority on which he pretends to act?'
"Mr. Pearson shrugged his shoulders. He turned to the Baron with a smile--and once he said he loved me! Man's falseness is incredible.
"'Baron, have you got the warrant in your pocket?'
"'No warrant is required. I will show madame my instructions when we reach the bureau. We are in Belgium, not in England. I would advise madame, as a friend, not to give me any trouble.'
"He arrested me! Yes, dear mamma, I spent my wedding night crying, alone, on the deck of a steamer, and at the break of day I was taken into custody. Arrested by one old lover in the presence of another. It was in this way I commenced my married life.