'I am glad you are come, Isaac,' said Herbert. 'I did not ask you about the license. I suppose you have it all right?'
'No; I haven't it,' answered Isaac.—'I understood that you would get it.'
'I? Why, surely you know that it must be obtained by one of the persons who are about to use it!'
Herbert was evidently vexed. 'Pray, have you only come here to make fools of us? I don't see what other interpretation is to be put on your conduct.'
'I am very sorry,' said poor Isaac meekly, 'but I didn't know about it. What can I do?'
'Do!' Herbert returned. 'The only thing you can do is for you and your friend to get a Hansom and go to Doctors' Commons as quickly as you can and get a license, and to be back here as much before twelve o'clock as possible. Meanwhile we will go back to the house and wait.'
So a cab was procured, and the bridegroom and his friend started off. Fortunately Jones had been to Doctors' Commons before, so that not much time was lost in its intricacies.
CHAPTER VI.—CHECKMATED.
On their return to the church the sexton was just about to lock the door, but seeing two gentlemen approaching, he waited till they came up; and not having seen them on their former visit there that morning, he politely asked them if they wanted to see the church.
'My friend has come here to be married,' said Jones. 'Where are the other members of the party?'