Beyond the Rocks

"The party does not break up until Wednesday or Thursday, and we cannot

lose our greatest ornament," he had said.

"I do not wish to stay alone," Theodora pleaded. "I will come with you,

Josiah."

But Josiah was quite cross with her.

"Nothing of the kind," he said. These people were her own relations, and

if he could not leave her with them it was a strange thing! He did not

want her in London, and she could join him again at Claridge's on

Thursday. It would give him time to run down to Bessington to see that

all was ready for her reception. He was so well now he looked forward to

a summer of pleasure and peace.

"A second honeymoon, my love!" he chuckled, as he kissed her, and would

hear no more.

And having planted this comforting thought for her consolation he had

quitted the room.

Left alone Theodora sank down on the sofa. Her trembling limbs refused

to support her; she felt cold and sick and faint.

A second honeymoon. Oh, God!