“This—should the Court of Arches decide the marriage of Monsieur L’Orient and Miss Morelle to have been illegal——” “Well! then?” “She will never emerge from her obscurity; as a delicate and high-minded woman she never can. But on the other hand, should the Court of Arches decide that her childish marriage was legal——” “Well! then?” “Then, my lord, you are free to woo the widow, and I—Barbara Brande will give you the aid I promised!” “Miss Brande! Is this your ethics? How is it possible that a decision of the Court of Arches can affect the righteousness of an action already past, as its record now stands before the higher tribunal of Heaven?” “It cannot do so, of course. Whatever be the decision of the Court, the case remains in the sight of God the same. And this, lady Estelle, whose womanly instincts have never been confused by the sinuosities of law, or the subtleties of theology, feels that her childish marriage, however wrong in itself, was binding in its obligations. Those who assail the legality of that unhappy union, wound her in the tenderest point. And should the Court of Arches decide against it, they will cast upon her a reproach that she will never consent, by marrying, to reflect upon any one she loves!” said Barbara, as a sudden and burning blush, for the freedom of her speech, swept over her cheek and vindicated the woman’s under the hero’s nature. For Barbara was as modest and sensitive as she was frank and brave. She could deeply feel, as well as disregard the pain of speaking upon this delicate subject. Lord Montressor admired the rare honesty, courage, and disinterestedness of her really great nature. He paused a few moments before replying, and then said— “You have given me some food for reflection, Miss Brande. I do not know but that you have been the best exponent of my lady’s motives and conduct, with whom I have yet met; although I have talked upon this subject with the Bishop of Exeter, and with the Baron Dazzleright, who both regarded the affair in an opposite light to that in which you view it.” “The reason was, that one was a clergyman, and thought only of the theological aspect; the other a lawyer, and considered wholly the legal appearance; while I, a woman, with only the grace of God to throw light upon my natural instincts, enter heart and soul into all my sister woman’s feelings.” “I believe you are right, and, by your showing, Estelle was also very right in reserving herself from my knowledge and pursuit from the moment that our marriage festivities were interrupted.” “Undoubtedly, my lord! Oh, sir! I feel sure that you will yet have cause to bless Heaven that she _did_ so—that she was _known_ beyond doubt to have done so.”