'Assuredly.'
'Will you be my best man at the church of Saint Etienne du Mont in a certain ceremony one of these mornings?'
'With a heart-and-a-half; but have you really proposed?'
'Aye, and been accepted. I never fight my battles by halves.'
'Then,' said O'Hara, grasping his hands in a cordial grip, 'I sincerely wish you joy. Count upon me to turn up at the wedding in full fig with my holiday face on.'
'Thanks,' said O'Hoolohan, 'thanks. I knew you were a brick. For the present, farewell. The splicing will take place as soon as it can be managed—but be sure I'll let you know in time;' and he moved towards the door. As he reached the threshold he suddenly stopped and exclaimed, 'By Mars the immortal! I was near forgetting. This is what comes of being in love. I have another service to ask of you.'
'Name it, by all means.'
'Oh! it's a mere formality. Will you be my second in a duel?'
'With the greatest pleasure in life,' said O'Hara; 'but, stay, which comes off first, the wedding or the duel?'
O'Hoolohan cogitated for awhile as if he had not given that a thought before.