"Tell me, Mr. Lambert, would you ever consent to perform a marriage--quietly--very quietly--say, with the knowledge of only the contracting parties and witnesses?" "If there were good and sufficient reasons. Of course, if the young lady's parents were living, I should wish to be assured of their consent first." "Oh!" murmured Miss Fitzgerald. "But, in your own case, if you really wished it, though it seems unnecessary, I could make some such arrangement as you suggest, because no one would be affected but yourself, though if a large estate or title was involved it would be a very different matter." His companion thought long and deeply; then, looking up at him, she said: "Would you, would you, dear Mr. Lambert, accept my word for it that silence is necessary?" "I--yes. I suppose so. But, Mrs. Roberts?" "I can assure you that Mrs. Roberts approves of my marrying; but----" and she laid her finger on her lips. "Well, as you please; but remember the responsibility rests with you; then there would have to be witnesses." "I could promise that Lady Isabelle McLane would be present, and the best man would be the other." "Quite so--but--when would you wish the ceremony to take place?" "Say Sunday." "But, my dear young lady--there are the fifteen days required by law--unless, of course, you have a special licence." "Perhaps there _is_ a special licence." "Of course in that case everything is easy--but do nothing rash. Marriage is a most solemn covenant, and I should strongly advise that you speak to Mrs. Roberts. Indeed, I hardly know if I----" "I have your word, Mr. Lambert. I'll come to you to-morrow, may I? and you'll talk to me earnestly, very earnestly, about it all. It will be decided then--and if I should wish it before early service Sunday morning, you would help me, I know. But remember, it's a secret, and oh, you're so kind!" And taking his hand, she kissed it. "But, my dear," stammered the old man, quite flustered by this unexpected mark of affection, "you haven't even told me the gentleman's name." Bending over, she whispered softly, "Lieutenant Kingsland," and fled out of the church. * * * * * In the light of the events of the morning, Miss Fitzgerald was naturally desirous of becoming better acquainted with the appearance of a special licence, and in the seclusion of the billiard-room, Lieutenant Kingsland was able to gratify her curiosity. "Quite an expensive luxury, I've been given to understand," she said reflectively, regarding the parchment. "Yes," admitted Kingsland regretfully, "it means a special messenger to the Archbishop, wherever he may happen to be. He never's by any chance at 'Lambeth' when you want him, and fees all along the line." "A matter of forty pounds, I've been told." "Well, call it thirty. I know the crowd." "I shouldn't have suspected you of being ecclesiastical." "It's a long story, and not to the point. Now, what have you done?"