So Mr. Pembrose went to Craythorne that very day, and in the afternoon Margaret Nugent arrived at the cottage. Her first thought was that an objection to the marriage might be raised, but when she had seen Theresa and talked with Sir Harold, she knew that such a proceeding was quite beyond her control. “You have become a very beautiful woman, Margaret,” he said, “and you and I were always good friends. I shall never forget this kindness. I suppose that the rector has told you all?” “Yes, Harold.” Her lips were hot and dry, and there was a look of unutterable longing in her eyes. It seemed that all her scheming and wrongdoing had been in vain. She was to lose him, after all. “There is one other thing that you must know, so that you may guard my Theresa with greater care.” He bent closer. “Listen, Margaret, and you shall hear that which must be forever locked in your heart--the story of an infamous vendetta. I would not have Theresa know one word of it for all that life is worth.” He then told her the story that he had heard from Mr. Hamilton, and the final cause of the old man’s sudden death. “And these assassins may be near us now?” she whispered. “Oh, Harold, it is terrible!” “As my wife, Theresa may lose her identity. I shall guard her with constant care, and if I can succeed in making an example of one of the fiends, I will show him no mercy!” For hours after this recital Margaret Nugent was very thoughtful, and her face was not pleasant to look upon. The funeral of John Hamilton took place the next day, and when the last sad rites had been administered to the dead, Sir Harold gently told Theresa of his wishes concerning an immediate marriage. “As my wife, darling, I can care for you, and shield you from every storm. I have made all arrangements for the wedding to take place next Tuesday, and, in the meantime, my Cousin Margaret will advise you concerning the clothing you will require, and other matters of which a man knows nothing. We will leave the servant woman in charge of the cottage, and go to London. There a suitable maid can be engaged and our tour begun.” “If it pleases you, Harold, I shall be content,” Theresa said, pitifully. “The pain is still big at my heart, and now you are my all in all.” He kissed her tenderly, continuing: “And after the wedding Miss Nugent is willing to remain with us until we are ready to go abroad. I am sure you must find her assistance and sympathy of great value.” “I had rather she left us after the wedding day, Harold,” Theresa said. “I do not think she really likes me.” “Nonsense! Why should you think so?” he asked. “I don’t know, Harold. Still, I cannot get rid of the feeling.” There was a quiet little wedding a few days later at Tenterden Church, and in the afternoon the bride and bridegroom left for London, accompanied by Miss Nugent and Stimson, the valet. A splendid suite of apartments was engaged at the Victoria Hotel, and Margaret was of great help to Theresa.