"Yes, and in an easy manner. Never get married."
Maurice flushed crimson, and, resenting the mocking tone of Etwald, half rose from his seat; but without moving a finger, Etwald continued in a cold tone:
"You are in love with a young lady, and you wish to marry her!"
"Quite right, quite right!" broke in Major Jen, heartily. "I want Maurice to marry."
"Then you want him to meet his fate of life in death!" said Etwald, curtly.
The others stared at him, and with the skepticism of thoroughly healthy minds refused to attach much importance to Etwald's mysticism. Jen was the first to speak, and he did so in rather a stiff way, quite different from his usual jovial style of conversation.
"My dear Etwald, if I did not know you so well, I should take you for a charlatan."
"I am no charlatan, major," rejoined Etwald, coolly. "I ask no money for my performance."
"So it is a performance, after all?" said David, carelessly.
"If you choose to call it so. Only I repeat my warning to Mr. Alymer. Never get married."