"Why not? She is married now," my lady retorted. "D'ye know that?"
"Yes, I heard some time ago that she was married; to Mr. Bridges' steward at Kingston."
"Matthew Smith?"
"Yes."
"And who recommended him to my husband, I should like to know?" madam answered in a tone of malice. "Why, you, my friend."
"It is possible. I remember something of the kind."
"And who recommended him to you? Why, she did: in the days when you did not warn people against her." And madam chuckled wickedly.
"It is possible," he answered, "but the matter is twelve years old, and more; and I do not want to----"
"Go back to it," madam cried sharply. "I can quite understand that. Nor to have Monterey about to remind you of it--and of your wild oats."
"Perhaps."