'You know, then, that your son has run away with my sister,' said Mr.
Tom, somewhat hotly—though he had determined to keep his temper.
'Perhaps you know also where they are?'
'No farther,' said the black-haired gentleman, with perfect calmness, 'than that I believe them to be in London. It is only about a couple of hours since I heard of the whole affair. I immediately sent for my brother. It is a most distressing business altogether. Of course you are chiefly concerned for your sister; but my son is in a far more serious position.'
'Yes, I should think so!' exclaimed Mr. Tom. 'I should think he was!
But you don't know where they are?'
'No; I only know they are in London. I received a letter from my son this afternoon, asking me to intercede for him with the Court of Chancery; and it is from this letter that I learn how serious his position is—more serious than he seems to imagine. He appears to think that now the marriage has taken place, the Vice-Chancellor will condone everything——'
'He won't: I will take good care that he shan't!' Mr. Tom said.
'My dear sir, I am sorry to say that my son is in a very awkward situation, even although no personal vindictiveness be shown towards him. Your sister is not of age, I believe?'
'Of course not. She's just turned eighteen.'
'Ah. Then you see, Jack had to declare that she was of age. And he appears to have stated that he had resided three weeks in the parish, whereat he only came up from Brighton yesterday morning. And, again, marrying in the direct teeth of an order of the Court—I am afraid, sir, that he is in a bad enough predicament without any personal vengeance being shown him.'
This seemed to strike Mr. Tom.
'I don't hit a man when he's down. I will let the law take its course.
I shan't interfere.'