“And you are living here?” I said to Dick.
“Where else?” he replied, with a surprise that was undoubtedly genuine.
“The arrangement is prudence itself,” I pronounced. “You see, Miss Shafthead, that these young people have tempered their ardor with a discretion we had scarcely looked for. I do not know what you intend to do, but, for myself, I kiss Miss Grey's hand and place my poor services at her disposal!”
And I proceeded to carry out the more immediately possible part of this resolution without further delay.
The little mademoiselle was evidently affected by my act of salutation, while Dick exclaimed, with great cordiality:
“Good old monsieur; by Jove! you're a sportsman!”
Still his sister hung back; in fact, my impetuosity seemed to have rather a damping effect upon her.
“What are you going to do, Dick?” she asked.
“We are going to get married.”
“What, at once?”