"Now, just a minute, Terry. What is the title and position of the pleasant-faced gentleman who was here?"
"Cleverest, of course, the cunning-eyed rat! And he said he was at the head of the lawyers, bad luck to the lot of them-begging your sole pardon, Bobby, my boy!"
"Exactly. And is there no one of us who is better fitted for that same office than he that was just now here? Who is it that you've told me was the cleverest lad you ever met, Terry, and the prince of all lawyers?" She smiled mischievously at Drayton. "And why," she continued, "should Loveliest be the only one to receive a surprise on Wednesday? Let Mr. Drayton try for the office he's best trained for. I have faith that this Cleverest of theirs is not the man to win against him."
"I might try-" began Drayton. Then as the full inference struck him he started, staring with incredulous eyes at Trenmore's sister.
Though a slow flush mounted in her delicate cheeks, she returned his gaze unwaveringly.
"And why not, Mr. Drayton? Would you have me give myself to the present incumbent of that office? And I am asking of you only the protection betrothal would offer me until we may escape from these unkindly folk. Are you not my brother's trusted friend, and may I not trust you also?"
"Before Heaven, you may, Miss Viola," said Drayton simply, but with all the intensity of one taking a holy vow. "Terry, are you willing that I should attempt this thing?"
Trenmore nodded. "As a possible brother-in-law, Bobby, I do certainly prefer you to the other candidate. And by the powers, 'twill be worth all the troubles we've had to see that sly rat's face when you oust him from his precious job!"
"If I oust him," corrected Drayton.
"You'll do it. You've the brains of three of him packed in that handsome skull of yours. But Bertram, man, wherever did you get that watch? 'Tis a beautiful timepiece and all, but never the one you had last night!"