name until my father's death. If you do not, he will most probably
disinherit me."

"I do not like your terms, Philip. I do not like secret marriages; but
you are giving up much to marry me, so I suppose I must give up
something to marry you."

"You solemnly promise that nothing shall induce you to reveal that you
are my wife until I give you permission to do so?"

"I promise--that is, provided you do not force me to in self-defence."

Philip laughed.

"You need not fear that," he said. "But how shall we arrange about
getting married?"

"I can meet you in London."

"Very well. I will go up early to-morrow, and get a licence, and then
on Wednesday I can meet you, and we can be married."

"As you will, Philip; where shall I meet you?"

He gave her an address which she carefully noted down.

"Now," she said, "you must go, it is late. Yes, you may kiss me now.
There, that will do, now go." In another minute he was gone.

"I have won the game," she mused; "poor Maria. I am sorry for her, but