The Riverman (Paperback)

Excerpt: ... took occasion to press his arm and whisper: "You've thought of everything You're the dearest brother in the world " Gerald received this calmly, and set about organising the ceremony. In fifteen minutes the little party separated at the front door, amid a chatter of congratulations and good wishes. Mr. and Mrs. Orde entered the cab and drove away. XX "Oh, it IS the best way, dear, after all " cried Carroll, pressing close to her husband. "A few minutes ago I was all doubts and fears, but now I feel so safe and settled," she laughed happily. "It is as though I had belonged to you always, you old Rock of Gibraltar and anything that happens now will come from the outside, and not from the inside, won't it, dear?" "Yes, sweetheart," said Orde. "Poor mother I wonder how she'll take it." "We'll soon know, anyway," replied Orde, a little grimly. In the hallway of the Bishop house Orde kissed her. "Be brave, sweetheart," said he, "but remember that now you're my wife." She nodded at him gravely and disappeared. Orde sat in the dim parlour for what seemed to be an interminable period. Occasionally the sounds of distant voices rose to his ear and died away again. The front door opened to admit some one, but Orde could not see who it was. Twice a scurrying of feet overhead seemed to indicate the bustle of excitement. The afternoon waned. A faint whiff of cooking, escaping through some carelessly open door, was borne to his nostrils. It grew dark, but the lamps remained unlighted. Finally he heard the rustle of the portieres, and turned to see the dim form of the general standing there. "Bad business bad business " muttered the old man. "It's very hard on me. Perhaps you did the right thing