"Well then--Marion must feel that when this last agony is over she will have much more peace in her life than she has enjoyed for a long time. I wonder whether it is very wrong to say such things." "Wrong? Why? We all think them, I am sure. At least, you and Vanbrugh and I do. As for society, I do not know what it thinks. I have not had time to ask, nor time to care, for that matter." "I suppose everybody sympathises with Marion as we do." "Oh, of course. Do you know? I believe she will be more popular than before. Everything that has come out in this abominable trial has been in her favour. People realise what a life she has been living during all these years--without a complaint. Wonderful woman! That brute Darche! I wish he were to be hanged instead of sent to the Penitentiary!" "He deserves it," answered Dolly with the utmost conviction. "I suppose Marion will get a divorce." Again Brett stopped short in his walk and looked at her keenly. The idea had doubtless passed through his own mind, but he had not heard any one else express it as yet. "After all," he said slowly, "there is no reason why she should not." Then he suddenly relapsed into silence and resumed his walk. "And then I suppose," said Dolly thoughtfully, "she would marry again." Brett said nothing to this, but continued to pace the floor, glancing at the young girl from time to time, and meditating on the total depravity of innocence. "She might marry Russell Vanbrugh, for instance," observed Dolly, as though talking to herself. This was too much for Brett. For the third time he stopped and faced her. "Why Vanbrugh, of all people?" he asked. "Of all people, Mr. Vanbrugh, I should think," Dolly answered. "Think of what he has done, how devoted he has been in all this trouble. And then, the way she spoils him! Any one can see that she is ready to fall in love with him. If she were not as good as--as anything can be--as spring water and snow drops and angels' prayers, so to say, she would be in love with him already. But then, she is, you know." "I cannot imagine a woman being in love with Vanbrugh," said Brett impatiently. "Oh, can't you? I can. I thought he was your best friend." "What has that to do with it? My best friend might be deaf and lame and blind of one eye." "Also, he might not," said Dolly with a smile. "Oh, well!" exclaimed Brett, turning away, "if you have made up your mind that Mrs. Darche is to marry Russell Vanbrugh, of course I have nothing to say. I daresay people would think it a very good match." "With John Darche alive and in the Penitentiary?" inquired the young girl, instantly taking the opposite tack.