He was received kindly by Colonel Clifford and ushered into a small room.
He wanted another witness.

So John Baker was sent for, and Bartley and he were closeted together, reading the deed, etc., when a footman brought in a card, "The Reverend Alleyn Meredith," and written underneath with a pencil, in a female hand, "Mrs.Walter Clifford." "Admit them," said the Colonel, firmly.
At this moment Grace, who had heard the carriage drive up to the door, peeped in through one of the heavy curtains we have mentioned.
"Has she actually come ?" said she.
"She has, indeed," said the Colonel, looking very grave.

"Will you stay and receive her ?" "Oh no," said Grace, horrified; "but I'll take a good look at her through this curtain.

I have made a little hole on purpose." Then she slipped into the little room and drew the curtain.
The servant opened the door, and the false rector walked in, supporting on his arm a dark woman, still very beautiful; very plainly dressed, but well dressed, agitated, yet self-possessed.
"Be seated, madam," said the Colonel.

After a reasonable pause he began to question her.
"You were married on the eleventh day of June, 1868, to a gentleman of the name of Walter Clifford ?" "I was, sir." "May I ask how long you lived with him ?" The lady buried her face in her hands.