While this was going on in Uphill Lane something of the same kind was taking place at the Lowtown Parsonage. Parson John became aware that his nephew had been with the ladies at Uphill, and when the young man came in for lunch, he asked some question which introduced the subject. "You've told them of this fresh trouble, no doubt."
"I didn't see Miss Marrable," said the Captain.
"I don't know that Miss Marrable much signifies. You haven't asked Miss Marrable to be your wife."
"I saw Mary, and I told her."
"I hope you made no bones about it."
"I don't know what you mean, sir."
"I hope you told her that you two had had your little game of play, like two children, and that there must be an end of it."
"No; I didn't tell her that."
"That's what you have got to tell her in some kind of language, and the sooner you do it the better. Of course you can't marry her. You couldn't have done it if this money had been all right, and it's out of the question now. Bless my soul! how you would hate each other before six months were over. I can understand that for a strong fellow like you, when he's used to it, India may be a jolly place enough."
"It's a great deal more than I can understand."