"You have?"
"Yes, young as I am—too young, as nine out of ten of our greybeards would say—I have settled that most important matter, and infinitely to my satisfaction. Now, who do you think the maiden is? You know her. Guess! You will approve my choice, I'll wager a sixpence."
"I cannot guess," replied Hudson, a sudden suspicion of the truth flashing over his mind, and causing his pulses to throb more quickly.
"It is Mary Lee!"
The utmost effort of Hudson was required to keep from betraying undue disturbance at this communication.
"Now don't you approve of my choice?" asked the friend, gaily. "Have I not shown taste?"
"I think you have."
"You think I have! Why don't you go into heroics about it, and say what you really believe. If you had come with a similar communication, I would have wrung your hand half off. She's a charming girl, isn't she?"
"Yes; charming."
"Don't talk like a parrot! Can't you invent some expression of admiration?"