“All! I have not lost a word nor a gesture. But do not blame me for my indiscretion. It enables me to give you some friendly advice. You know I have paid dear for my experience.”
He hesitated, being at a loss how to express his ideas; then he continued in a short, sharp tone,—
“You love Miss Ville-Handry?”
“More than my life, don’t you know?”
“Well, if that is so, abandon all thoughts of useless resistance; induce Miss Henrietta to do as her father wishes; and persuade Miss Brandon to let your wedding take place a month after her own. But ask for special pledges. Miss Ville-Handry may suffer somewhat during that month; but the day after your wedding you will carry her off to your own home, and leave the poor old man to his amorous folly.”
Daniel showed in his face that this suggestion opened a new prospect before him.
“I had not thought of that,” he said.
“It is all you can do.”
“Yes, it is what prudence would advise me to do. But can I do so in honor?”
“Oh, honor, honor!”