“Because,” said the curate slowly, “Leo is not the woman to make you a happy husband.”
“Nonsense, my dear boy. I—I believe she loves me.”
The curate shook his head.
“Ah! well,” cried the young doctor joyously; “we shall see. Tell me this: would you accept me as your brother?”
“I already look upon you as a brother.”
“Then you will let me speak to Leo?”
The curate paused a few moments, and then in the gravest of tones said:
“Yes.”
“Now? At once?”
“If you wish it,” said Salis, after another pause.