'What do you think your bride would say to them? you know that must be taken into consideration.'
'My bride? I beg your pardon! Did I hear you aright?'
'Yes!' said Esther, opening her eyes a little. 'Your bride—your wife.
Isn't she here?'
'Who is she?'
'Who was she, do you mean? Or are you perhaps not married yet?'
'Most certainly not married! But may I beg you to go on? You were going to tell me who the lady is supposed to be?'
'Oh, I know,' said Esther, smiling, yet perplexed. 'I believe I have seen her. And I admire her too, Pitt, very much. Though when I saw her I do not think she would have agreed with the views you have been expressing to me.'
'Where did you see her?'
'Last fall. Oh, a year ago, almost; time enough for minds to change. It was at a party here.'
'And you saw—whom?'