"Of course; excuse me for talking like a fool. Only have me, and you shall have everything else. All that wealth can buy shall be yours. We'll leave this dull place and go around the world seeking pleasure where it can be found, and everybody will envy me my beauteous bride." "That's very pretty talk, Mr. Offitt; but where is all this wealth to come from?" He did not resent the question, but heard it gladly, as imposing a condition he might meet. "The money is all right. If I lay the money at your feet, will you go with me? Only give me your promise." "I promise nothing," said Maud; "but when you are ready to travel, perhaps you may find me in a better humor." The words seemed to fire him. "That's promise enough for me," he cried, and put out his arms toward her. She struck down his hands, and protested with sudden, cattish energy: "Let me alone. Don't you come so near me. I don't like it. Now you can go," she added. "I have got a lot to think about." He thought he would not spoil his success by staying. "Good-by, then," he said, kissing his fingers to her. "Good-by for a little while, my own precious." He turned at the door. "This is between us, ain't it?" "Yes, what there is of it," she said, with a smile that took all sting from the words. He walked to the shop, and wrung the old man's hand. His look of exultation caused Saul to say, "All settled, eh?" "No," said Offit; "but I have hopes. And now, Mr. Matchin, you know young ladies and the ways of the world. I ask you, as a gentleman, not to say nothing about this, for the present, to nobody." Saul, proud of his secret, readily promised. XIV. CAPTAIN FARNHAM SEES ACTIVE SERVICE AGAIN.