She was to be held
in disgrace perhaps for a long time, but appearances were to be kept
up. No breath of scandal was to tarnish the reputation of the
Rodchurch postmaster; the curious world must not be allowed the very
slightest peep behind the scenes of his private life; and she, without
explicit instructions, was to assist in preventing any one--even poor
humble Mary--from guessing that as husband and wife they were not as
heretofore on the best possible terms.
Down below in the sorting-room Dale greeted Mr. Ridgett very heartily.
"Here I am. May I venture to come in a minute? I'm only a visitor till
Monday, you know." And he told Ridgett how he had taken a liberty in
returning before the stipulated date; but he had written to
headquarters explaining the circumstances, and he had no doubt they
would approve. "There's the funeral, you know. Though I suppose that
won't be till Tuesday or even Wednesday. But there's the inquest. And
I felt it like a duty to attend that too."
"Yes, I suppose this is a bit of a blow to you--knowing him so long.
Your good lady was mightily upset."
"So she had cause to be," said Dale gravely.
"He'd always shown himself a real friend?"
"The best friend anybody ever had," said Dale with impressive
earnestness.
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