“Not dead!” said June with a gasp.
“No––he was married yesterday in Paris.”
June sat down on the bottom stair; she felt as if all the strength had gone out of her.
“It can’t be true,” she said at last. “Why, she had a letter from him only yesterday. Are you sure? It must be another Ashton.”
“It isn’t––I knew it was coming. He’s married Tubby Clare’s widow––for her money, of course. If Esther knows....”
“It will break her heart,” said June.
There were footsteps on the landing above; Micky glanced up hurriedly.
“Can’t we go somewhere and talk? Everybody will hear if we stay here. Where is Miss Shepstone?”
“She’s in my room; she’s writing to him at this minute–––” She broke off, drawing in her breath hard. “Oh, Micky, are you quite, quite sure? I can’t believe it.” She stared at him for a moment, then she laughed incredulously. “Why, it’s only three days ago he sent her that fur coat––and the collar for Charlie. Oh, I’m sure it’s a mistake!”
“It’s not a mistake,” said Micky fiercely; he looked away from her. “Confound it, isn’t there a room where we can go and talk?” he broke out again.