The schoolmaster started back.

“Not to marry her, myself,” said Mr. Milvey, with a smile, “because I have a wife already. To perform the marriage service at her wedding.”

Bradley Headstone caught hold of a pillar behind him. If Mr. Milvey knew an ashy face when he saw it, he saw it then.

“You are quite ill, Mr. Headstone!”

“It is not much, sir. It will pass over very soon. I am accustomed to be seized with giddiness. Don’t let me detain you, sir; I stand in need of no assistance, I thank you. Much obliged by your sparing me these minutes of your time.”