Maurice was so delighted at finding a ready ally that the moment his cousin signified her willingness to help him, he began to fancy his difficulties were half removed, and had to be warned that only the first and least important step had been taken.
"In the next place," Lady Dighton said, "we must consult Dr. Edwards."
"What for," asked Maurice in some perplexity.
"To know whether it would be safe to propose to my grandfather the loss of his heir."
"But for six weeks? It is really nothing."
"Nothing to you or me perhaps, but I am afraid it is a good deal to him, poor old man."
"Louisa, I assure you, I would not ask him to spare me for a day if it were not a thing that must be done now, and that I should all my life regret leaving undone."
She looked at him with an amused smile. People in love do so overrate trifles; but she was really of opinion that he should go if possible.
"Yes," she said, "I understand that. And I do not myself see any particular cause for delaying since it must be done. But still I think it would be well to ask the Doctor's opinion first."
"That is easy at any rate. He will be here to-morrow morning."