said the head-waiter at the hotel. "I knew they
was folks as would have a screw loose somewheres. There's lots to
stand for the bill, anyways," he added, as he remembered all the
tribute.

CHAPTER LXX

Alas!

No attempt was made to send other messages from Hertford Street than
those which were taken to the church and to the hotel. Sir Griffin
and Lord George went together to the church in a brougham, and, on
the way, the best man rather ridiculed the change in life which he
supposed that his friend was about to make. "I don't in the least
know how you mean to get along," said Lord George.

"Much as other men do, I suppose."

"But you're always sparring, already."

"It's that old woman that you're so fond of," said Sir Griffin. "I
don't mean to have any ill-humour from my wife, I can tell you. I
know who will have the worst of it if there is."

"Upon my word, I think you'll have your hands full," said Lord
George. They got out at a sort of private door attached to the
chapel, and were there received by the clerk, who wore a very long
face. The news had already come, and had been communicated to Mr.
Emilius, who was in the vestry. "Are the ladies here yet?" asked
Lord George. The woebegone clerk told them that the ladies were not
yet there, and suggested that they should see Mr. Emilius. Into the
presence of Mr. Emilius they were led, and then they heard the truth.

"Sir Griffin," said Mr. Emilius, holding the baronet by the hand,
"I'm sorry to have to tell you that there's something wrong in
Hertford Street."

"What's wrong?" asked Sir Griffin.

"You don't mean to say that Miss Roanoke is not to be here?" demanded
Lord George. "By George, I thought as much. I did indeed."

"I can only tell you what I know, Lord George. Mrs. Carbuncle's
servant was here ten minutes since, Sir Griffin,--before I came down,
and he told the clerk that--that--"

"What the d---- did he tell him?" asked Sir Griffin.

"He said that Miss Roanoke had changed her mind, and didn't mean to
be married at all. That's all that I can learn from what he says.
Perhaps you will think it best to go up to Hertford Street?"

"I'll be ---- if I do," said Sir Griffin.

"I am not in the least surprised," repeated Lord George. "Tewett, my
boy, we might as well go home to lunch, and the sooner you're out of
town the better."

"I knew that I should be taken in at last by that accursed woman,"
said Sir Griffin.

"It wasn't Mrs. Carbun