“Why, damme,” he said with a laugh, and with one of those strange resolutions which madness dictated. “I had not thought of that, little Daphne, so you would really like to marry me?” He watched her narrowly. If there had been tears or reproach he would have stiffened, but she merely said “Yes please, if you would like to,” and he was disarmed. He gave a great laugh and held her to him.
“Caught! By Jove. Very well, sweetheart, we will get married. Why not, after all? Married women have a pretty good time, so why not men?” She looked at him with grave eyes.
“Fancy being your wife. It will be lovely.”
They had no time to spare, as although the Southgates were loyal and true, the search for the girl might find them at any moment. He obtained a special license, and they set out by road for Dover with gaiety in their hearts, and in his case an unusual sense of virtue. If she wondered that she had not met his family or friends, she put it down to the fact that they must escape pursuit. He told her they would come back when all the bother was over and he would show her London.
At a little village church, where a friend of Desmond’s was parish priest, and keener on hunting than his work, they were made man and wife. She was a Catholic, and did not understand the ceremony, which was witnessed by young Southgate and the verger, but when he placed the ring on her finger, whispering “It was my Mother’s,” she thought it all very beautiful.
The parson entertained them to a gargantuan meal, and both the men were soon happily and noisily drunk, but Carlotta noticed nothing.
“Reckavile, you ruffian, this is the last straw,” said the parson. Carlotta had never heard the name before, but in after years she remembered.
“You married! Oh Lord! I thought your line would at last end with you—at any rate on the right side. You dog!”
Drunk as he was Reckavile turned grey. “I had sworn the Curse should die with me. The Devil has a hand in most things. Pass the bottle.”
Southgate and the parson’s man helped him into the chaise, and the parson kissed the bride.