"Yes, but may I not know who the object is?" inquired Frank.
"Come, come, you wouldn't ask that. It would be dishonorable in me to tell you; suffice it to say that she is a lovely creature, young, innocent, and confiding. I have everything arranged to carry her off this very night."
"You mean to marry her, of course?" said Frank, seriously.
"Marry?" laughingly replied Gerald; "come, that's a devilish good joke; do you see any symptoms of insanity about me? No, no, I mean to honor her with my society for a few months, and then"——
"Then cast her off, to the scorn of an uncharitable world. Gerald, friend, pause a moment, think! I know your heart is not entirely rotten."
"My dear fellow, I have thought, reasoned with myself, but all to no avail; one word for all. 'Tis necessary to my happiness that I should possess this girl. You pretend to be my friend; will you prove it by doing this small service for me?"
Good intent said no, but irresolution stepped in as usual, and all was lost.
"Dictate," said Frank, sadly; "'tis sorely against my inclination, but rather than you should doubt my friendship, I will do it."
"Good fellow," delightedly exclaimed Gerald; "now, let me see; we must use stratagem. Begin—
"'Dear Mary.'"