"No, no! Although it is kind of you to suggest it," said Shawe, hurriedly. "But people would talk and ask questions. No. I wish you to lend me one hundred pounds so that I can buy a special licence and marry Audrey at once, and have sufficient cash to take a journey." "To go on your honeymoon, you mean," said Lady Sanby, humorously. "Well, your idea is a very good one. Marry her at once by special licence, and go away to some quiet place so that she can recover from all these troubles. Then bring her here as your wife, and she can stay with me for a week until you can find a house." "Dear, dear grannie!" "Silly, silly grannie, I think. I am a romantic old fool to waste money at my time of life in--" "It won't be wasted. I shall pay you back." "No. I shall give you five hundred pounds as a wedding-gift." "Oh, I can't take that, Lady Sanby." "Grannie, you foolish boy." "Well, then, I can't take such a large sum, grannie." "Don't talk nonsense," said Lady Sanby, going to her desk and producing a cheque-book. "Five hundred pounds won't go very far, seeing that Audrey has been accustomed to millions." "She won't be accustomed to them any more," said the future bridegroom, in a gloomy tone. "Her father has disowned her." "Never mind. You marry her, and we'll put matters right between us. There is your cheque." She handed him an oblong slip of paper. "I really can't take so much." "Then you won't get less, my dear man. Gracious, haven't I dandled you on my knee and slapped you and stuffed you with cakes and--" "You have been always good, and that is why I don't like to impose on you." Lady Sanby laughed grimly. "You needn't be afraid of doing that, Ralph. No one, old or young, ever succeeded in imposing upon me. Now, take your wedding-present and marry Audrey. And, by the way," added the old dame, just as if it was an after-thought, "you had better let me know the time and place. I shall come to the wedding. It will look better for Audrey, and that parvenu father of hers won't dare to say a word when I bestow my approval." "Grannie, you are an angel," and Ralph, very greatly touched by her kindness, kissed her warmly. Grannie pushed him away. "Keep your kisses and nice words for Audrey, or she will grow jealous. Now run away. I have heaps to do, and I can't afford to waste my time as a briefless barrister does." "Briefless," laughed Ralph, who was now, and with very good reason, in excellent spirits. "Well, grannie, I only ask that you will retain me as Counsel in the breach of promise case you are sure to have with one of your numerous admirers!"--a joke which pleased the gay old lady immensely.