"Not the least. He even went so far as talking about a special license, and suggesting that we should be married this week."
"That makes it fishier still," said Colin, frowning. He stared thoughtfully at his plate for a moment or two, and then suddenly pushed back his chair. "I know what I shall do," he continued. "I shall tell Marsden the whole story and ask him for his advice. I'm perfectly certain there's some damned crooked business at the back of it."
"But you can't possibly bother the police," objected Nancy. "After all, Major Fenton has only asked me to marry him, and there's nothing very criminal in that."
"Depends on what you call criminal," said Colin. "I should say he deserved ten years for his confounded cheek."
As he spoke the door opened and Martha Jane inserted her head.
"Would you like any sweet?" she inquired. "There's a nice plum tart in the kitchen if either of you fancy a bit."
Colin glanced at his watch.
"It sounds alluring," he said, "but I don't think I can spare the time. I must start out on my round at half-past, and I shall have to run through the cases first and see what I've got to take with me."
He rose from his chair, Nancy following his example.
Martha Jane looked at them both with disapproval.