"No—only let it be soon."

"I must first find the lady."

"I thought I could have helped you—but it is too late." Maurice was silent.

"You will marry?" and the old man tried to raise himself in his earnestness.

"I hope to do so."

"Don't talk of hoping—it is a duty, positive duty."

"I mean to do so, then, grandfather."

"Say 'I will'—promise me."

"If I both hope and intend it, sir, is that not enough?"

"No, no. Promise."