“Where is Alvar?” asked Jack.
“I got him to go to the mayor, intendant, whatever the official is called here, and see if anything could be done for poor Pedro. His mother was here just now in an agony. Jack, I think the ‘evils of government’ might receive some illustrations.”
“Cheriton,” said Jack, with unusual solemnity, “I’ve got to ask your advice—that is, your opinion—that is, to tell you something.”
“Don’t you think I should look at it from a ludicrous point of view?” said Cherry, whose spirits were ready for a reaction into nonsense.
“I don’t know,” said Jack; “but it is very serious. I have made up my mind, Cherry, that I mean to marry Miss Stanforth, and I shall direct all my efforts in life to accomplish this end. I know that I am younger than is usual on these occasions; but such things are not a question of time. Cherry, do help me; they’ll all listen to you.”
Cheriton sat with his pipe in his hand, so utterly astonished, that he allowed Jack’s sentences to come to a natural conclusion. Then he exclaimed,—
“Jack! You! Oh, impossible!”
“I don’t see why you should think it impossible. Anyhow, it’s true!”
“But it is so sudden. Jack, my dear boy, you’re slightly carried off your head just now. Don’t say a word about it—while we’re all together at least; it wouldn’t be fair.”
“But I have,” answered Jack, “and—and—” in a different tone, “Cherry, I don’t know how to believe it myself, but she—it is too wonderful—she will.”