I Forbid the Banns! — page 153: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

ON THE ART OF LYING. 143 live altogether promiskiss like? Anyhow, to make sure, I'd have it performed again by the Reverend Mr. Loftus, or maybe the lord bishop himself, in your own church. You didn’t leave her in Australia, sir?” “She is in London, Mrs. Barwell, and she will remain there for a week or two yet. Then—perhaps we may go abroad for a month or so; nothing is settled yet.” “If you had but given us a day’s notice we could have had the best bedroom ready for you both ”’—Julian Charlton gave a little gasp, his face flamed like a girl’s, and then acurious coldness seized him—* but you didn’t even say that there was a mistress coming——” He gave another gasp. ‘‘Never mind, Mrs. Barwell,” said he, rising quickly. ‘It is necessary for us to be in London for some weeks at least. That will give you plenty of time to prepare for us.” ‘Plenty, indeed, sir,’’ said the housekeéper, going to the door. ‘ And I’m sure [ wish you every happiness, sir, if it’s not too late.” | “It’s never too late to, wish a man happiness—not even when he is married,” said Julian, with a laugh. “ And I know that she should be a happy lady this day —unless you have changed a good deal during your travels, sir. The Charltons have always been good husbands— there has never been anything loose in their way of living, and every Charlton has had a group of at least six brides- maids, and groomsmen to match at the other side. Ido hope that I may announce that you had at least six couples behind you at the church, sir.” “You may say nine if you please—that will be on the safe side,” laughed Julian. Mrs. Barwell did not laugh. On the contrary, she was very solemn as she opened the door, made a housekeeper’s courtesy, and disappeared into the dim-lighted hall. He gave a sigh of relief. EOMMICLYOOlKS (EC)