Chapter 18
IT WAS AFTER the wedding of Claire Sorel and Philip Waring. The young couple were on their honeymoon. The Carey Haig money had been recovered. Papers found among Bergson's effects had shown that Carey Haig had committed a minor crime in early youth. It had come to the knowledge of Bergson; Haig had done what even stronger men have done, had yielded to blackmail until there was no more to yield save life— honour and fortune having preceded the surrender of life.
And now, with another confirmed bachelor, Malcolm, Herkomer was playing billiards at the club.
"Pretty wedding!" said Malcolm.
"They all are," assented Herkomer. He played a difficult carom— made the point, chalked his cue and eyed the halls. "Poor position," he said. He failed on an easy draw shot. He sat down.
"Mrs
