"Well, now—if you have no objection I should be only too happy to make your daughter my wife."
"None whatever—provided Kate is willing. Have you spoken to her?"
"No, but with your consent I will now."
Kate was coming toward them, and Hall went to meet her. He led her away to a seat nearer the river, and as Mr. Stafford returned to the house he saw Hall bending over Kate, who appeared to be paying great attention to what he was saying.
"It was a very fortunate idea—not a foolish one," muttered Mr. Stafford, as he gazed at them, "for unless I can get both time and money we may not be here long."
He left shortly afterwards for London, and had been gone a half hour when Hall returned alone. He had an unpleasant expression on his face, and when informed of Mr. Stafford's departure, said he must go to London also; that he had intended to accompany Mr. Stafford thither, but had forgotten the time.
On reaching the station, he sent the following despatch to Jones & Jones, No. 9 Queen Street, London.
"S will ask for time. Give none.
"Belden."
Mr. Hall smiled wickedly as he handed this despatch to the clerk, and seated himself in the train in somewhat better spirits than he appeared to be when he reached the station.