Cecilia had personally asked the Inspector to the kirk, and had, perforce, made up her mind to the natural consequence in the shape of his wife; he had been Gilbert’s friend and she felt that his presence would help her through the ordeal.
‘Then you will be of the bride’s party,’ observed Barclay, looking superior.
‘Yes,’ replied Mrs. Somerville, settling herself snugly against the back of her chair, ‘we shall—if there is any bride at all.’
He looked at her interrogatively.
‘I said, if there is any bride at all, Mr. Barclay; and for that matter, I may add, if there is any wedding either.’
‘What is to hinder the wedding? My dear Mrs. Somerville, you puzzle me.’
‘Ah,’ she said, nodding her head slowly up and down, ‘you are right to ask, and I can tell you that Mr. Speid may hinder the wedding.’
‘You are speaking in riddles,’ said the lawyer, ‘I may be dull, but I cannot follow you.’
‘If I tell what I know, you will get me into trouble,’ she said, shaking her forefinger at him; ‘there is no trusting you men.’
‘Surely you will make an exception in my case! What have I done to merit your distrust?’