Page:That Royle Girl (Balmer).pdf/358

 news summary, over which he had glanced, stood the laconic report that Ketlar had married within five hours after his release from jail; and Calvin never imagined that Ketlar had married any other than her who, from the moment of his arrest, had fought for him and finally won his freedom.

The front page was replete with portrayals of the gang "wake" for Baretta and of the gunmen's preparations for this day; and Calvin deliberately confined himself to this subject until word was brought him that Ellison was downstairs. At the last minute before leaving his rooms, Calvin determined to learn of the manner in which Joan Royle and Ketlar had married; and, after he read, he stood with pent breath and eyes closed, bowing his head in gratitude at being able to think of her—not Ketlar's wife. Incredulity alarmed him; he opened his eyes; and there it was, as before. She had parted from Ketlar, who thereupon had married Lola Nesson.

She had parted from Ketlar, under what circumstances? Why?

The newspaper was enigmatic upon this point. Was it that Ketlar had turned from her? Was she still, in heart, his? Calvin recollected, wretchedly, her dream of Ket, as she always named him, and how she had formed her new plan for the conservatory, when she was with Calvin in the cab.

His bell rang and Ellison's voice reminded, "No need of you to come, Clarke; but if you are—"

"Coming," replied Calvin and tore out the strip which told of the marriage, and put it into his pocket, feeling a satisfaction, which his mind discerned to be childish, at carrying with him the printed fact.

Ellison had a car and Calvin got in beside him for the drive to the street of the cortège.