“Propriety,” said Launa, “demands that you should dine downstairs, and I in my sitting-room alone; but the claims of propriety are not imperious. We will dine together.”
Wainbridge felt perfectly happy, perfectly content; Launa was feeling soothed and lulled by the sensation that someone cared excessively for her. It was so desolate to be always alone, and she wanted someone to take care of her.
For the rest of the week they met every day, and spent it together skating. As Mr. Wainbridge could not waltz on skates she taught him.
“Without any bother. Honeymoons are troublesome.”
“That depends on the moon and the honey. I like it in the comb.”
One day they were just starting for the lake when they met Captain Carden. Launa bowed to him, and did not appear uncomfortable at what he considered an inopportune meeting for her. Captain Carden went back to town that night, and told Mr. George, whom he met, that Launa was staying at Polton with Mr. Wainbridge.
“They are staying together,” he said. “How lucky for her she is not married, for I saw them.”
Mr. George promptly remarked that unless Captain Carden wanted kicking, he had better go, which he did.
The Cardens still felt a tender interest, an endless curiosity about Launa. They regretted her fall from grace, and Mrs. Carden felt with sorrow that she had wandered far from the safe haven of her protection; but when Charlie told her Launa was with Mr. Wainbridge, then did she mingle tears and rejoicings.
“We shall get her yet,” he said at last. “When no one else will know her, she will be glad to be Mrs. Carden.”
“A Mrs. Carden whom no one will know,” said his mother. “How terrible!”
They were drinking tea together—a pale, straw-coloured liquid. For once Mr. Carden had not grumbled; for the present they were united. The maid announced, “Mr. Harvey.”
Mrs. Carden rose and bowed. Mr. Harvey advanced with the self-possession of a Somebody, and the assurance of an American.
“I must apologise,” he said, “for troubling you. I came to get Miss Archer’s address. Her father once gave me yours as the means of finding him in town. I am a friend of theirs, and live near them in Canada.”
“Address,” echoed his mother. “Please sit down.”
“Launa was in the country,” said Mrs. Carden. “She lives at Victoria Mansions, but I am sorry to say she is a very odd girl. She loves the world.”
