human
Of course, said Clara,
gpt
I don’t know so much about that, Clary, Albert Benbow interrupted his wife;
human
Well, you know what I mean,
gpt
But surely the case was in the papers?
human
I expect it was in the Sussex papers, Albert replied.
gpt
You see, they went through the ceremony of marriage at Lewes. But it never got into the local rag, because he got married in his real name--Cannon wasn’t his real name; and he’d no address in the Five Towns, then. He was just a boarding-house keeper at Brighton. It was a miracle it didn’t get into the _Signal_, if you ask me; but it didn’t. I happen to know --his voice grew important--
human
No. It never came out. Still, as I say, we all thought it best not to conceal anything. Albert strongly advised Edwin not to attempt any such thing. (
gpt
What awful rot! thought Edwin.)
human
So we just mentioned it quietly like to a few friends. After all, poor Hilda was perfectly innocent. Of course she felt her position keenly when she came to live here after the wedding. (
gpt
Did she indeed! thought Edwin.)
human
Edwin would have the wedding in London. We did so feel for her. (
gpt
Did you indeed! thought Edwin.)
human
She wouldn’t have an At Home. I knew it was a mistake not to. We all knew. But no, _she would not_. Folks began to talk. They thought it strange she didn’t have an At Home like other folks. Many young married women have two At Homes nowadays. So in the end she was persuaded. She fixed it for August because she thought so many people would be away at the seaside. But they aren’t--at least not so many as you’d think. Albert says it’s owing to the General Election upset. And she wouldn’t have it in the afternoon like other folks. Mrs. Edwin isn’t like other folks, and you can’t alter her.
gpt
What’s the matter with the evening for an At Home, anyhow?
human
Oh, of course, _I_ quite agree. I like it. But folks are so funny.
gpt
And there’s a little boy?
human
Yes, the one you’ve seen.
gpt
Poor little thing! I do feel so sorry for him--when he grows up--
human
You needn’t, Auntie,
gpt
Of course, said Clara quickly.
human
We never let it make any difference. In fact our Bert and he are rather friends, aren’t they, Albert?