If the marriage went forward,
there would no doubt be some scandal and excitement at first, when the
truth was known. But Oliver's personality and the girl's charm would
soon live it down. In this strange world I am not at all sure it might
not in the end help their future. Oliver would be thought to have done a
generous and romantic thing, and his wife's goodness and beauty would be
all the more appreciated for the background of tragedy."
Lady Lucy moved impatiently.
"Sir James--I am a plain person, with plain ideas. The case would
present itself to me very differently; and I believe that my view would
be that of the ordinary man and woman. However, I repeat, that is not
what I think of first--by any means."
"You think of the criminal taint?--the risk to Oliver--and to Oliver's
children?"
She made a sign of assent.
"Character--and the protection of character--is not that what we have
to think of--above all--in this world of temptation? We can none of us
afford to throw away the ordinary helps and safeguards. How can I
possibly aid and abet Oliver's marriage with the daughter of a woman who
first robbed her own young sister, in a peculiarly mean and cruel way,
and then committed a deliberate and treacherous murder?"
"Wait a moment!" exclaimed Sir James, holding up his hand.
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