Playing with Fire: A Story of the Soudan War

by James Grant

'Well—yes.'

'And you keep it a secret?'

'Yes.'

'But why?'

'Surely, Maude, that should be obvious to you. Till I can see old Mr. MacWadsett and have certain matters cleared up.'

'You are wise. But Annot, does she, too, wish the engagement kept secret?'

'Decidedly, from the world at least,'

'A comprehensive word; but why?'

'I have a little tour in Egypt before me yet.'

'My poor Roland! But to me it seems that when a couple are engaged there is no reason why all the world need not know of it, unless there are impediments.'