Some few days after this reconciliation, Gerald took Frank aside, and having first bound him to secrecy, thus began to unfold his design.
"Frank, my boy," said he, "I am in great need of your assistance; will you give it to me?"
"That will I, Gerald," uttered Frank, "with all my heart."
"Nay, but you must promise to do so, even though against your inclination; it is a matter of the most vital moment to me?"
"If I can help you, I will."
"Say that you will, for I know you can."
"Well, then, I will, whatever it is."
"Enough. Then you must know that I have a little affair of the heart."
"Another?"
"The last, as I am a true lover; all I want you to do is to write a note for me. I am fearful that my own hand-writing would be known, added to which, I have disabled my fingers by an accident."