Having carried through the first part of this programme, they took the road together and presently came upon the two brides. Maud bore a folded newspaper as if it were a truncheon of official authority. Her expression was stern and important. Helen was obviously struggling with a tendency to hysterical excitement. Upon catching sight of Darcy and her escort, Maud marched with an almost military front, straight upon them, her fellow bride acting as rear guard.
“Darcy,” said Maud, ignoring the now perfectly whiskered fiance, “I should like to speak to you alone.”
A qualm of mingled intuition and caution warned Darcy.
“What about, Maud?” she asked.
“A private matter which your fiancé can hear later,” returned the uncompromising Maud. “Please, Darcy,” added Helen.
“Not at all,” returned the girl with spirit.’ “Has it anything to do with Monty?”
“It has a great deal to do with him,” was the grim response.
“Then he should hear it at the same time.”
“Haw! By all means. Haw!” confirmed the fiancé, bringing his monocle to bear upon Maud and Helen in turn.
“Very well,” said Maud in a your-blood-be-on-your-own-head voice. “Read that.”