"Did she say that she was going to marry Lieutenant Kingsland?" "She certainly gave me the impression that such was the case." "But did she actually _say_ so?" The old man was lost in thought for a moment, striving to recall some direct admission, but at length shook his head sadly, saying:-- "No. I can't remember that she did, in so many words; but she led me to suppose----" "You've _inferred_; you've been _given the impression_; you've been _led to suppose_, Mr. Lambert, what did not exist. I have, however, held in my hand and carefully examined the special licence under which you performed the ceremony, and which was drawn for a marriage between Lieutenant Kingsland and myself. I was the bride whom you married; it was I who repeated the vows which you gave _me_; my name is Isabelle, also, remember, and it was I who signed that name as 'bride' in your register, where it should be now, if you had not changed it." "Bless my soul! This is most bewildering! You say I married you to Lieutenant Kingsland?" "Yes, Mr. Lambert, you did, and Miss Fitzgerald and Colonel Darcy were the witnesses." "But this is a serious matter, a very serious matter, Lady Isabelle. This wedding seems to have been performed under false pretences." "I imagine you would not find it difficult to prove that, Mr. Lambert; but before we discuss the matter farther, I want first to right myself in your eyes, to assure you earnestly and honestly that I was no party to this deception, that I did not know till this evening, till just now indeed, that you were not perfectly cognisant of all the facts. I was informed at the time that all arrangements had been made with you, and I believed of course that you knew everything. I was also told that I must be heavily veiled as, owing to the proximity of the early service, I might otherwise be seen; the signing in the vestry was hurried over as you know, and it was only when, in response to a statement of Mr. Stanley's, I made inquiries, that I discovered the truth. You believe me, do you not, Mr. Lambert?" "Of course, my dear. I must believe you since you give me your word for it." "Then set my mind at rest. Tell me this marriage was not illegal." "I think you may be easy on that score. The licence and the signatures were regular; all the requirements were complied with; and the principals, or you at least, acted in good faith; but the affair is most unfortunate." "You will be glad to learn that any objection which my mother might have had to my husband has now been removed." "I do not know what Lady Port Arthur will think of my part in this deplorable matter, certainly very little consideration or courtesy has been shown me," said the poor old man, to whom the Dowager's wrath was a very terrible thing. "Have no apprehensions, Mr. Lambert, my mother shall know the truth of this matter, and where the blame rests." "Then you really think that Miss Fitzgerald----?"