And the budding strategist dropped the subject with a tact which was growing on him with the conduct of this affair. But first thing next morning Ralph and he were closeted in his private office.
"Splendid! splendid!" cried the younger man. "Another word from you might have spoiled everything. I will run down this minute and say the rest for myself."
"But is it possible, Ralph?"
"With a special license it would be possible to-morrow."
"And how long have you?"
"I hope a month. Time enough for banns, if you like. We can get them put up this Sunday."
John Merridew looked at the young man sitting before him, his dark face flushed, his dark eyes sparkling—handsome, eager, and exultant—without a misgiving or a qualm for mortal eye to see.
"You are very confident, Ralph!"
"I am."