It was rather curious, perhaps, that her suspicions
should take the same bent that her husband's did at first--that of
instituting law proceedings by Dr. Ashton.
She said nothing. Her husband led her out, placed her in the carriage,
and saw it drive away. Then he and the barrister got into a cab and went
to the Temple.
"We'll take the books home with us, Carr," he said, feverishly. "You
often have fellows dropping in to your chambers at night; at my house we
shall be secure from interruption."
It was midnight when Lady Hartledon returned home. She asked after her
husband, and heard that he was in the breakfast-room with Mr. Carr.
She went towards it with a stealthy step, and opened the door very
softly. Had Lord Hartledon not been talking, they might, however, have
heard her. The table was strewed with thick musty folios; but they
appeared to be done with, and Mr. Carr was leaning back in his chair with
folded arms.
"I have had nothing but worry all my life," Val was saying; "but compared
with this, whatever has gone before was as nothing. When I think of
Maude, I feel as if I should go mad."
"You must quietly separate from her," said Mr. Carr.
A slight movement. Mr. Carr stopped, and Lord Hartledon looked round.
Lady Hartledon was close behind him.
"Percival, what is the matter?" she asked, turning her back on Mr. Carr,
as if ignoring his presence.
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