In answer to this communication Blanchard magically reappeared,
announced his determination to marry Phoebe by subterfuge, and, the deed
accomplished, take his punishment, whatever it might be, with light
heart. Given time to achieve a legal marriage, and Phoebe would at least
be safe from the clutches of millionaires in general.

Much had already been done by Will before he crept after the
apple-christeners and accomplished his meeting with Phoebe. A week was
passed since Clement wrote the final crushing news, and during that
interval Will had been stopping with his uncle, Joel Ford, at Newton
Abbot. Fate, hard till now, played him passing fair at last. The old
Superintendent Registrar still had a soft corner in his heart for Will,
and when he learnt the boy's trouble, though of cynic mind in all
matters pertaining to matrimony, he chose to play the virtuous and
enraged philosopher, much to his nephew's joy. Mr. Ford promised Will he
should most certainly have the law's aid to checkmate his dishonourable
adversary; he took a most serious view of the case and declared that all
thinking men must sympathise with young Blanchard under such
circumstances. But in private the old gentleman rubbed his hands, for
here was the very opportunity he desired as much as a man well
might--the chance to strike at one who had shamefully wronged him. His
only trouble was how best to let John Grimbal know whom he had to thank
for this tremendous reverse; for that deed he held necessary to complete
his revenge.

As to where Will had come from, or whither he was returning, after his
marriage Joel Ford cared not. The youngster once wedded would be
satisfied; and his uncle would be satisfied too. The procedure of
marriage by license requires that one of the parties shall have resided
within the Superintendent's district for a space of fifteen days