'But, good heavens, man!' said Somerset, more and more disturbed. 'Does she know of it?'
'You may depend she does not yet; but she will soon enough. Hark--there it is!' The notes of the castle clock were heard striking noon. 'Then it is all over.'
'What?--not their marriage!'
'Yes. Didn't you know it was the wedding day? They were to be at the church at half-past eleven. I should have waited to see her go, but it was no sight to hinder business for, as she was only going to drive over in her brougham with Miss De Stancy.'
'My errand has failed!' said Somerset, turning on his heel. 'I'll walk back to the town with you.'
However he did not walk far with Havill; society was too much at that moment. As soon as opportunity offered he branched from the road by a path, and avoiding the town went by railway to Budmouth, whence he resumed, by the night steamer, his journey to Normandy.