“My relations with Miss Anvoy are not at an end,” poor Gravener stammered.
Again for an instant I thought. “The offer I propose to make you gives me the right to address you a question remarkably direct. Are you still engaged to Miss Anvoy?”
“No, I’m not,” he slowly brought out. “But we’re perfectly good friends.”
“Such good friends that you’ll again become prospective husband and wife if the obstacle in your path be removed?”
“Removed?” he anxiously repeated.
“If I send Miss Anvoy the letter I speak of she may give up her idea.”
“Then for God’s sake send it!”
“I’ll do so if you’re ready to assure me that her sacrifice would now presumably bring about your marriage.”
“I’d marry her the next day!” my visitor cried.
“Yes, but would she marry you? What I ask of you of course is nothing less than your word of honour as to your conviction of this. If you give it me,” I said, “I’ll engage to hand her the letter before night.”