Ah, even an affliction such as yours, monsieur, has its benedictions!" Matters drifted along smoothly, even merrily, for several days.

They were all young and full of the joy of living.

They laughed in secret over the mishaps and perils; they whiffed and enjoyed the spice that filled the atmosphere in which they lived.

They visited the gardens and the Hofs, the Chateau at Schoenbrunn, the Imperial stables, the gay "Venice in Vienna"; they attended the opera and the concerts, ever in a most circumspect "trinity," as Brock had come to classify their parties.
Like a dutiful husband, he always included his wife in the expeditions.
"You are not only a most exemplary wife, Mrs.Medcroft," he declared, "but an unusually agreeable chaperon.

I don't know how Constance and I could get on without you." But the day of severest trial was now at hand.