If she had made a mistake,
and even now she was not absolutely certain that she had--it was
impossible in that turmoil of conflicting emotions to say--but
if she had, it was past remedy, and she must face the consequences
without shrinking. She had a conviction that he would domineer over her
without mercy if she displayed any fear.
So, bravely hiding her sinking heart, she laughed and chatted for the
benefit of her taciturn bridegroom with the gayest inconsequence during
the brief drive to her home.
He scarcely replied. He seemed to have something on his mind also. And
Nan breathed a little sigh of relief when they reached their destination,
and he gravely handed her out.
A litter of telegrams on a table in the old-fashioned hall caught the
girl's attention directly she entered. She pounced upon them with eager
zest.
"Ah, here's one from Jerry Lister. I knew he would be sure to remember.
He's the dearest boy in the world. He would have been here, but for some
horrid examination that kept him at Oxford."
She opened the message impetuously, and began to read it; but suddenly,
finding her husband at her side, she desisted, crumpling it in her hand
with decidedly heightened colour.
"Oh, he's quite ridiculous. Let us open some of the others."
She thrust a sheaf into his hand, and busied herself with the remainder.
He did not attempt to open any of them, but stood silently watching her
glowing face as she opened one after another and tossed them down.
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