He looked hard at the wall and pulled his beard.

"You said it would happen, didn't you? I didn't see a glimmer of a possibility myself."

"Love's blind, you know."

"You said, too, it—er—it wouldn't be altogether a wise step. You'll change your mind about that one day, Turk."

"Hope so," said Turquand. "Can't to-night."

"You still believe I'm making a mistake?"

"What need is there to discuss it now?"

"Why shouldn't we?"

"Why should we? Why argue with a man whether the ice will bear after he has made a hole in it?"

"We shan't be extravagant, and I shall work like blazes. I've a plot simmering already."