The object in
question was an ancient casket (one of his father's bargains); inside
the casket reposed an old-fashioned carbuncle brooch, set in silver
(another of his father's bargains)--bridal presents both, possessing
the inestimable merit of leaving his money undisturbed in his pocket. He
shook his head portentously when the captain inquired after his health
and spirits. He had passed a wakeful night; ungovernable apprehensions
of Lecount's sudden re-appearance had beset him as soon as he found
himself alone at Sea View. Sea View was redolent of Lecount: Sea
View (though built on piles, and the strongest house in England) was
henceforth odious to him. He had felt this all night; he had also felt
his responsibilities. There was the lady's maid, to begin with. Now he
had hired her, he began to think she wouldn't do. She might fall sick on
his hands; she might have deceived him by a false character; she and
the landlady of the hotel might have been in league together.
Horrible! Really horrible to think of. Then there was the other
responsibility--perhaps the heavier of the two--the responsibility of
deciding where he was to go and spend his honeymoon to-morrow.
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