"There is method in my madness. Come, Frank, we have been such friends I would do anything you asked me."
"I should never ask you to do anything so foolish, Lance; I wish that I had not given my word of honor to keep your secret; I am quite sure that I ought to send word to the earl and countess at once; I cannot, as I have promised not to do so, but I regret it."
"My dear Frank, nothing in the world would stop me; if anything were done to prevent my marriage now, I would simply await another and more favorable opportunity; my mind is made up. I love the girl with all my heart, and she, no other, shall be my wife. If you refuse to act for me, well and good; I shall find some one else."
"If you would but be reasonable, Lance," said his friend.
"I am not reasonable. When did you ever see reason and love go hand in hand together?"
"They should do so always, and do, when the love is worth having."
"Now, Frank, I have listened patiently; I have heard all that you have had to say; I have weighed every argument, and I remain unconvinced. You have but to say whether you will do this to oblige me or not."
"If I do it, remember, it is under protest, Lance."
"Never mind what it is under, if you only promise."
"I promise, to save you from greater risk, but I do it against my will, my reason, my good sense, my conscience, and everything else."