Seite 525 von 657

As I passed his pew on the way out I dropped my bouquet over to

him, and he slipped the note into my hand when he returned me the

flowers. It was only a line asking me to join him when he made

the sign to me to do so. Of course I never doubted for a moment

that my first duty was now to him, and I determined to do just

whatever he might direct.

"When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California,

and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but

to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to

have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before

his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to

run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten

minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of

the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park.

I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman

came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to me-seemed

to me from the little I heard as if he had a little secret of his

own before marriage also-but I managed to get away from her and

soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and away we

drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and that

was my true wedding after all those years of waiting.