Bramwell nodded.
"Well, it may as well come out first as last. I--don't start, and pray, pray don't laugh at me--I've fallen in love."
Bramwell nodded again and looked grave.
"And I have proposed."
Bramwell looked pained.
"And have been accepted."
"There is no chance whatever of my knowing anything of the lady?" said Bramwell in a tone implying that the answer must be in the negative.
"There is. You do. I proposed last night on this island to Miss Layard, and she has accepted me."
"Merciful heavens!" cried the other man, springing to his feet.
Ray paused and stared at his brother-in-law. "Why, what on earth is the matter with you, Frank? There is nothing so very shocking or astonishing in it, is there? I know for a man in my position it was rash, almost mad, to do such a thing. But there is nothing to make you look scared. Tell me why you are so astonished and shocked? If I told you I had shot Ainsworth you couldn't look more alarmed."