CHAPTER V.AN AWKWARD HALF-HOUR.
It is just as well, perhaps, that the matter had become notorious.
Otherwise the Armours had lived in that unpleasant condition of being constantly "discovered." It was simply a case of aiming at absolute secrecy, which had been frustrated by Frank himself, or bold and unembarrassed acknowledgment and an attempt to carry things off with a high hand.

The latter course was the only one possible.

It had originally been Richard's idea, appropriated by General Armour, and accepted by Mrs.Armour and Marion with what grace was possible.

The publication of the event prepared their friends, and precluded the necessity for reserve.

What the friends did not know was whether they ought or ought not to commiserate the Armours.