He had no opportunity of speaking with Judge Ellsworth until court adjourned. Then the judge took him by the arm, with that peculiarly flattering assumption of intimacy of which he was master, and led the way toward his office, inquiring meanwhile for news of Jonesville. Dave's high spirits surprised him and finally impelled him to ask the cause. When Dave hinted unmistakably at the truth, Ellsworth exclaimed, with a sharp stare of curiosity:
"See here! You haven't forgotten what I told you that night on the train?"
"What? Yes, I had forgotten."
"You promised to tell me if you thought seriously about marriage."
"Very well, then; I'm telling you now."
"Do you mean that, Dave?"
"Of course I do. But don't look at me as if I'd confessed to arson or burglary. Listen, Judge! If you have good taste in jewelry, I'll let you help me select the ring."
But Judge Ellsworth continued to stare, and then muttered uncertainly:
"You're such a joker—"
Dave assumed a show of irony. "Your congratulations overwhelm me. You look as if you were about to begin the reading of the will."
"I want to hear about this right away." Ellsworth smiled faintly. "Can you come to my office tonight, where we can be alone?"