CHAPTER XVII.
CLEM MAKES A DISCLOSURE When Miss Peckover suggested to her affianced that their wedding might as well take place at the registry-office, seeing that there would then be no need to go to expense in the article of costume, Mr.Snowdon readily assented; at the same time it gave him new matter for speculation.

Clem was not exactly the kind of girl to relinquish without good reason that public ceremony which is the dearest of all possible ceremonies to women least capable of reverencing its significance.

Every day made it more obvious that the Peckovers desired to keep this marriage a secret until it was accomplished.

In one way only could Joseph James account for the mystery running through the whole affair; it must be that Miss Peckover had indiscretions to conceal, certain points in her history with which she feared lest her bridegroom should be made acquainted by envious neighbours.

The thought had no effect upon Mr.Snowdon save to excite his mirth; his attitude with regard to such possibilities was that of a philosopher.