"Well," said he at last, "are you ready to start with me for New York to-morrow morning, and for Liverpool next Monday?"
"My starting for any place out of sight of these mountains," answered Brent, "depends chiefly on the views of a certain young woman. At present the indications are that no such pilgrimage will ever begin."
"Alle Wetter! Are you married?"
"No; but I expect to be in two weeks."
"Is it the maiden who dwells in this house?"
"The very same."
For a few moments the professor gazed in silence at the prospective bride-groom. Besides feeling a personal interest in the case, he considered it a good subject for psychic investigation.
"My good friend," he said, with judicial calmness, "why do you wish to espouse Miss Reinfelter?"
Brent knew this question was not meant to be offensive, but was propounded in a spirit of critical analysis. He was about to answer it with a pretence of deep gravity, when Casper came around the corner of the house and asked him where "Sister Rena" was.
"She has gone to the village," replied Brent.