The ceremony was over, with that blinding swiftness which has an element of indecency in it. Before they realised that it had started, they were signing their names, and the step had been taken from which there is no retreat. The situation was beginning to appeal to Reckavile’s cynical mind. After all Italy was far, and why the devil should one be tied up with one woman. To hell with convention. He had been too solemn, too wrapped up in domesticity; it was a great mistake. There was an awkward pause, and Winnie looked shyly at him, while the fussy little registrar buzzed around getting signatures of witnesses.
Well, why not? Reckavile took Winnie by both hands and kissed her, if not with affection, at any rate with a satisfying thoroughness.
The ice was broken, and Wynter and the two friends he had brought followed suit, taking liberal toll both with Winnie and Florrie, her friend, whose surname no one troubled to ask.
Even the old lawyer began to thaw, now that the irrevocable step had been taken.
Wynter had arranged for a private room at the Gloucester, and thither they adjourned. Curtis protested, but was lifted bodily into a cab by the others, and brought along as a trophy.
The lunch was a merry one; Reckavile threw off all his moodiness. It would be time enough to tell Winnie what he intended to do later on. He was going to send her to Reckavile Castle, where he had arranged matters with the butler, and he was for Italy. He knew there would be a scene, and it would be as well to play the farce out first.
Soon corks were popping, the wine was running free and Wynter filled Curtis’ glass to the brim.
“But I never take anything now,” he protested “I suffer much with the gout.”
“That shows what a wicked youth you were,” said Wynter “but all doctors agree about the hair of the dog that bit you. Drink up old Deed Box, and smile at the Bride.”
As the meal proceeded the guests became more riotous. Wynter was one who seldom showed signs of excess; he became solemnly humorous, and then slept, but now he rose unsteadily to his feet and gazed around with an owlish expression.