"Bosh! I haven't spoken of that yet. In a month Donna Maria goes out to Lima. I stay at home and work hard."
"To make a home for the future Mrs. Darrel, I suppose. Why don't you write a novel on this case?"
"Because if I did no one would believe it."
"But it is all true, even to the fact that Manuel remains in London as the agent for a society of assassins misnamed Patriots."
"I know; but the truth is always improbable in print. But some day I may soften its improbable truth into my probable fiction."
"With yourself as hero and Donna Maria as the heroine; and a marriage between you to end the book."
"Well, there's many a true word spoken in jest," said Frank smiling; "and I think Maria likes me a little."
"Maria! Ah, that settles it. You'll follow her to Lima and marry her there."
"Well, Torry, why not?"
"Why not, indeed. She is a charming girl. I anticipated as much, and so I brought with me a wedding present for you."