‘There would be you and Jane, James. You would both be very kind to her.’ But Lady William was a little startled by what he said. It is startling to all, however little objection we may have to that catastrophe, even however desirable it may be, to be spoken to abruptly of our own death. ‘Both my wife and I are older than you are, and we could introduce her to nobody in--well, in her father’s rank of life. If she married it would probably be a curate--the Marquis of Portcullis’s niece!’ ‘Oh, if it were no worse than a curate!’ said Lady William, with a laugh. The laugh was a little strained, and under her eyes there was a hot, red colour which did not consort with laughter. She grew suddenly very grave, and added hurriedly, ‘That was not exactly all. James, in case of the--risk of which you were speaking, do you think as Mrs. Swinford does----’ ‘What, Emily?’ He was frightened when he saw the excitement that seemed to come over her. ‘Well! That the family would have a right to--examine into--and have all the papers about--my marriage, and her birth, and all that.’ It was of Lady William’s marriage alone that Mrs. Swinford had spoken, but it made it a little easier to state it so. ‘Oh!’ said the Rector, startled. ‘Well,’ he added, ‘I suppose it’s a very good thing to have your papers all in order, and saves trouble afterwards. It is so seldom that people take the trouble to do it. I am sure I don’t know anything about my own marriage certificate, though I furnish them to other people. Have you got them all?’ Lady William’s face blanched out of its momentarily high colour. ‘I have got none of them,’ she said, in a faint voice. ‘Well, there is no particular harm in that. I don’t know who has--not me, I am sure. What does your friend want you to do--send these things to the Marquis? What does the Marquis want with Mab’s baptismal certificate? My dear Emily, I suppose that woman, being partly French, thinks that you should always have your _papiers_ in order? There could not be greater nonsense.’ ‘Do you really think so? I did myself. Why should there ever be any question? Nobody asks you, as you say, for your marriage certificate, James.’ ‘No,’ said the Rector; but he added, looking at the question from a purely professional point of view, ‘of course, you can get that sort of thing, when it’s wanted, at a moment’s, at least, at a day’s notice. Where were you married, Emily?’ She was evidently not prepared for this question, and came to herself with a little start. The colour forsook her cheeks. She clasped her hands together nervously. ‘Oh James, that is what gives it its sting. I don’t know.’ ‘You don’t know?’ ‘Is that dreadful? Is it dangerous? Might it throw a doubt? My father went with me, that is the only thing--to London somewhere.’