"Considering that you were thoughtful enough to procure that licence, I've done everything." "Bravo! When can the ceremony take place?" "Before early service Sunday morning, say a quarter to eight." "The sooner the better. I'm a thousand times obliged. You're a little brick, and I shall never forget it." "I shall ask for a return some day," she said. "And you shall have it, no matter what. Is there nothing more?" "Only this. You know Mr. Lambert is somewhat aged, very blind--don't forget that--and a trifle deaf; so, though I assure you I never said so, I'm quite sure he is under the impression that you're going to marry--me." "But I don't understand." "Mr. Lambert informed me that in the case of a person of importance, or one whose parents were living, he couldn't perform the ceremony privately--that is, as privately as you would wish; but as regarded myself, an orphan--you see?" "But the name?" "Are we not both Isabelles? Besides, he is old, and deaf, and nearly blind, and the bride and I will both be closely veiled, under the circumstances. If we should appear to have signed our names in the wrong places in the registry--why, it's a stupid blunder that any one might make on such a trying occasion." "But how account for Lady Isabelle's presence?" "He asked me concerning the witnesses, and I promised that her Ladyship would be there. As for the other?" "My best man will serve." "Who is he?" Kingsland laughed. "Wait and see," he said. "He's an old friend of yours. Anything else?" "Yes, two things. Keep a still tongue in your head, and have the bride there to the minute." "I promise. Belle, you're the best friend a man ever had." "Not at all. I'm only doing you a service--for a service in return." "What is that?" "I don't know, I'm sure; but any woman who lives the life I do is sure, some day, to want a friend who is sufficiently in her debt--to--well, do anything that may be needful. You understand?" "Done!" he cried, and wrung her hand. "Oh, by the way," she added, "I've given the Marchioness her tip, and I don't imagine Jimsy's life will be worth living in consequence." "Couldn't you help to make it a little more bearable--for instance?" insinuated the Lieutenant. "It takes two to make a bargain of that sort," she returned. "All right," he said, laughing. "I'll see that Little Diplomacy gets a steer in your direction," and he started to leave the room. "No; I forbid you to do anything of the sort," she called after him. CHAPTER XIV THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SECRETARY'S NATURE