entered one carriage and were driven away to Jack's home. The two elder
ladies and Sedgwick's bride entered the other carriage.

True to her promise, Grace gave to her husband, who stood near, a smiling
good-bye, but when the carriage was driven away, she broke into
uncontrollable sobs, wrung her hands piteously, and not until she reached
home did the paroxysm of grief subside. She went to her room, laid by all
her bright dresses and ornaments, robed herself in simple black--"in
mourning," she said, "for my lost honey-moon."

Sedgwick and Jordan entered a carriage, and from it boarded the Dover
train. Not a word was spoken until the train had passed beyond the great
city's outermost limit, when at last Jordan said:

"Cum, Jim, brace up. It'll be all the sweeter when this accursed bitter
cup shall be passed."

And Sedgwick answered: "You are right, old friend, but the dear girl will
suffer. That last smile was such as is given when hearts break."

CHAPTER XV.

SINISTER SUCCESSES.

When the old men, Jenvie and Hamlin, reached their homes that evening and
learned what had transpired during the day, they were dumfounded. Hardly
tasting any dinner, Hamlin arose from the table and sought the house of
Jenvie. He met Jenvie at the door who was just going out to find Hamlin.
They went at once to Jenvie's library, and when Jenvie motioned Hamlin to
a seat and took another himself, it was a long time before either spoke.

At last Hamlin said: "A bad business, Jenvie."

"I do not see how it could be worse," was the reply.

"I am too confused to think," said Hamlin.

"We got Jack's money from him, and yet he and Rose are married, and it
seems with Rose's mother's full consent," said Jenvie.

"And a stranger of whom we know almost nothing has married Grace and left
her at the church door, and it was with her mother's full consent, also,"
said Hamlin.

"And neither you nor myself is in a position to complain; I have not the
courage to even storm about it," said Jenvie.

"Nor have I," responded Hamlin. "I did not intend to keep Jack's money. I
wanted to break off his engagement, and then offer him a little fortune
if he would marry Grace."

"I was determined that he should not marry Rose, even if I had to rob him
to prevent it. Curses on him! He knocked me senseless while he was yet a
mere boy. And now he has given me a harder blow. He has stolen Rose from
under my spectacles, married her, pauper that he is, a