Mr. S. But surely, you said——
Fred. Oh, to be sure! I—oh, it’s not of the least consequence.
Mr. S. Something about poor little Eve, wasn’t it?
Fred. Yes; about poor little Eve. How little do we know what five minutes may bring forth! I was actually going to consult you about fixing a day for our wedding. (Wiping his eyes.)
Mr. S. My poor boy, you have behaved nobly. You are a true Smailey.
Fred. (taking his hand). I hope it is not presumptuous in me, but I sometimes think I am.
Mr. S. I have wounded you deeply. Let me compensate you by telling you a more pleasant piece of news. I have discovered Fitz Partington’s clew.
Fred. Indeed! I am rejoiced to hear it.
Mr. S. Yes. Mrs. Van Brugh told me on Tuesday that she had never actually seen her godfather’s will. So I felt it to be my duty to make an excuse for reading aloud that part of the will in which she is particularly described. I did so, and she fainted. Now, my dear Fred, what does this point to?
Fred. I should say bigamy.