He walked up and down the room for some time, abandoned wholly to the
ungovernable rage that consumed him, and with no thought beyond that
blind useless fury. And then there came upon him the feeling that was
almost a part of his mind--the consciousness that something must be done,
and promptly. Whatever his position was, he must face it. His hurried
pacing to and fro came to a sudden stop, and he took the crumpled
document from his packet, and examined it once more.
There seemed little doubt that it was genuine; and a visit to the church
where the marriage was stated to have been performed would immediately
place the matter beyond all doubt. With the copy of the certificate, he
had taken from his pocket the letter that had enclosed it. He saw now
that the envelope was addressed in Hawkehurst's hand.
"Favoured by Dr. Jedd," he had written in a corner of the envelope.
Why should Dr. Jedd "favour" Mr. Hawkehurst's letter? Why, indeed, unless
there had been a conspiracy concocted by these men against his authority
and his interests?
Valentine's letter was brief and business-like.
"SIR,--With the full approbation of her mother and only near relation, my
dear Charlotte has this day become my wife. The enclosed attested copy of
the certificate of our marriage will afford you all particulars. I shall
refrain from entering upon any explanation of my conduct; and I believe
such explanation to be wholly unnecessary.
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