"'To such base uses must we come at last,'" he quoted, with a sigh.
"Yes," said I, "rather a come-down from a king; but, never mind what it is, as long as it pays well."
I saw him wince at this speech of mine; his romantic nature revolted against all thoughts of making money, however pressing his needs might be.
We parted, and I called upon him about a week after, when I found he was making grand preparations for his marriage. He informed me that he had got his eye upon some appointment, but that he should have to wait. There was a certain air of sadness about his face still. He did not look like a man about to be married.
"Doctor," said he, "do you know what I have been thinking of late?"
"No," I replied.
"I have been thinking that this marriage of mine will never come off," he said.
"Why?" I asked. "Have you had some lovers' quarrel?"
"No," he replied.
"Why, then? Has the squire changed his mind, after having given his consent?" I demanded.