Her confirmation of Palliser's perfidy had
awakened in him no new resentment. Only in a vague way he began to
realise that his forebodings of the last few days were founded upon a
reality. Whether Palliser lived or was dead, it was too late for him to
undo the mischief he had done.
Tallente took up the receiver and asked for Dartrey's number. In half
an hour he was on his way to see him.
CHAPTER XIV
Tallente had the surprise of his life when he was shown into Dartrey's
little dining room. A late breakfast was still upon the table and Nora
was seated behind the coffee pot. She took prompt pity upon his
embarrassment.
"You've surprised our secret," she exclaimed, "but anyhow, Stephen was
going to tell you to-day. We were married the day before yesterday."
"That is why I played truant," Dartrey put in, "although we only went as
far as Tunbridge Wells."
Tallente held out a hand to each. For a moment the tragedy in his own
life was forgotten.
"I can't wish you happiness, because you have found it," he said. "Wise
and wonderful people! Let me see if your coffee is what I should
expect, Nora," he went on.
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