“He is fool enough to come even before he went into his own house.” “He has not been here.” “What does she say?” “She will give me an answer to-morrow. I have no doubt what her answer will be.” “If she is not a bigger fool than Hungerford, of course she will let you marry her.” “She is crazy if she does not.” “Do you really think, Buckstone, that she is not your wife?” demanded the stranger. “I told her I had my doubts,” laughed the artist, who certainly appeared now to have none of the penitential thoughts which he had expressed in the presence of poor Mary. “You are not talking to her just now.” “Well, then, I am perfectly satisfied that I was not married to her.” “Did you _intend_ to marry her? for your intention makes all the difference in the world,” added the stranger, who was evidently acquainted with the law on this subject, if, indeed, he was not a lawyer. “I did, and I did not,” replied Buckstone, jocosely. “Not both?” “Yes, both. I’ll tell you how it was. When I went to Dorning’s house, I intended to marry her. I told him what I wanted, and he laughed. That laugh was clear enough to me. He understood me to mean that I wished to cheat the girl--Dorning and I had been together a great deal, and understood each other very well. Just then I thought it would be foolish and stupid for me to throw myself away on one woman. I laughed then. Nothing was said, but the affair was just as well arranged as though we had talked half a day about it.” “Then you did not intend to marry her when the ceremony took place.” “No; I did not. I thought it was best not to put my head into a trap from which I could not withdraw it, if I so desired.” “Who performed the ceremony?” “I don’t know; and I have kept out of Dorning’s way because I don’t want to know.” “Precisely so; then you must marry her at once.” “For a consideration, I consent,” replied the heartless villain. “The consideration shall be forthcoming,” said the stranger. “I don’t exactly understand your position,” continued Buckstone. “Never mind my position.” “If you prevent Hungerford from marrying Mary, you cannot prevent him from marrying some other lady.” “I attend to only one thing at a time.” “I don’t see why you should care whether he marries or not.” “It is not for you to know,” replied the stranger, impatiently. “As you please. When I do anything, I like to know something about it. If I don’t understand it, somebody else might.” “After your confession to me about the marriage, it would not be prudent for you to say much,” added the principal, significantly. “Perhaps parties on the other side would be more confiding.” “Very likely they would. In due time, if you are patient, you shall understand the whole matter.” “I prefer to understand it now.” “Very well, I will tell you now, if you insist, though it is not best for you to know, at the present stage of the proceedings. After the marriage, I intended to tell you the whole story. But as----”