Jeroloman took the hat and with a gloved finger rubbed at the brim.
"Even otherwise, the term common-law wife is not legally recognised. The
law looks with no favour on the connection indicated by it. The term is
synonymous for a woman who, having lived illicitly with a man, seeks to
assume the relationship of wife after his death and thereby share in the
proceeds of his property."
From under beetling brows, Dunwoodie looked at him. "Thanks for the
lecture, Jeroloman. My client has no such desire. In this office, an
hour ago, she refused them."
Jeroloman stood up. "Very sensible of her, I'm sure." He twirled the
hat. "Who is she?"
"I thought I told you. She is Mrs. Paliser."
Jeroloman waved that hat. "Well, well! I thought I told you. As it is,
if you will take the trouble to look at the laws of 1901, you will find
that common-law marriages are inhibited."
"Hum! Ha! And if you will trouble to look at the Laws of 1907, you will
find they are inhibited no longer."