“No, madam,” said Carpentaria, teasingly. “I mean to go on to the foreshore of the river. The tide is low--we shall be alone--we shall see both the crowd and the fireworks; and we shall be secure from interruption.” With one of his pass-keys he unlocked a gate giving access to a tunnel leading down to the river. They passed through, and he locked the gate again. They arrived at the edge of the stream just as the first cluster of rockets was expanding itself in the firmament. The scene was impressive, and the roaring cheers of the serried crowd behind and above them did not detract from its impressiveness. “So you have something to tell me?” he remarked, tapping his foot idly against a stone. “I also have something to tell you.” “Really?” she answered. He examined her face and figure. She was dressed in mourning, for Mrs. Ilam had died within two days of the events set down in the previous chapter, and Carpentaria thought that black had never suited any woman so well as it suited Pauline.... There was something about her face... In short... Well, those who have been through what Carpentaria was going through will readily understand. “And what are you going to tell me?” he queried. “It’s a message from Cousin Ilam,” said Pauline. “You haven’t seen him to-day, have you?” “No. I’ve been very much alone to-day. Juliette’s been away all day--I suppose preparing for the wedding--there’s only a few days left now.” “Well,” said Pauline, “Cousin Ilam told me to tell you they aren’t going to be married next week.” “What!” cried Carpentaria, “after all? Why not?” “Because they were married this morning. They’re already on their honeymoon.” “And Juliette has played this trick on me?” murmured Carpentaria. “In any case, the marriage would have had to be very quiet,” said Pauline. “I fancy Cousin Ilam didn’t particularly care for your notion of having a section of your band to play at the church. Anyhow, he wanted the affair absolutely quiet. You know how nervous and self-conscious he is.” “Now I come to think of it,” Carpentaria said, “Juliette did kiss me this morning rather fervently, and I wondered why.” “You wonder no longer,” observed Pauline, smiling. “It was just a little plot.” “Extraordinary! Most extraordinary!” Carpentaria exclaimed. “I don’t think it’s quite so extraordinary as all that!” said Pauline. “You don’t know what I mean,” Carpentaria replied. “I also have a message--for you. It is from our friend Mr. Jetsam Ilam and your sister. Have you seen Miss Rosie since this morning?” “No,” said Pauline; “she went with Juliette.” “Exactly. She went with Juliette. And she has done what Juliette has done. I was asked by Mr. Jetsam Ilam to inform you that instead of marrying your sister next week he has married her this week. He is very sorry. He has a perfect horror of publicity. In fact they chose the registry office.” “What a shame!” cried Pauline. “What a shame!”