The man’s manner was suspicious, not to say offensive, and the other had much ado to speak him fair.
“This is ridiculous,” he said, trying to smile. “We can’t walk in and propose in a duet. One of us must go to-day and the other to-morrow.”
“Certainly,” said Halibut; “that’ll be the best plan.”
“So childish,” said the Major, with a careless laugh, “two fellows walking in hot and tired and proposing to her.”
“Absurd,” replied Halibut, and both men eyed each other carefully.
“So, if I’m unsuccessful, old chap,” said the Major, in a voice which he strove to render natural and easy, “I will come straight back to your place and let you know, so as not to keep you in suspense.”
“You’re very good,” said Halibut, with some emotion; “but I think I’ll take to-day, because I have every reason to believe that I have got one of my bilious attacks coming on to-morrow.”
“Pooh! fancy, my dear fellow,” said the Major, heartily; “I never saw you look better in my life.”
“That’s one of the chief signs,” replied Halibut, shaking his head. “I’m afraid I must go to-day.”
“I really cannot waive my right on account of your bilious attack,” said the Major haughtily.