A fortnight later the wedding took place from Loring House. Lady Loring, Amy, Mrs. Hunter-Oakleigh and I were the only persons present beside the bride and bridegroom. Loring appeared for the last time in his staff officer's uniform and shed it with evident relief as soon as we had lunched. The honeymoon was being spent in Ireland, and, while Violet changed into her going-away dress, we withdrew to the library for a last smoke together.
"I am now a married man," he observed thoughtfully.
"I see no outward change," I said.
"No. All the same, it is different. For example, ought married men to have secrets from their wives?"
"It depends on the secret."
He smoked for a few minutes without speaking and then got up and stood in front of the fire with his back to me.
"You shall hear it," he said, half turning round, "and I'll be bound by your decision. I had a call last night from Sonia Dainton."
I raised my eyebrows but said nothing.
"Vi'd been dining here," he went on, "and I'd just seen her home. When I got back I was told a lady was waiting to see me. I found her in here—alone. We hadn't met since the engagement was broken off."
He paused and turned his head away again.