"Then, by a little exercise of our wits, you find an
excuse for hurrying on the marriage--have it a private
affair for family reasons, and so on. You will be
prevented by one excuse or another from meeting the lady
till the wedding-day. We shall choose a darkish church,
you will have a plaster on your face--and the deed is
done!"

"Not a fault can I find," commented the Baron
sagely. "Essington, I congratulate you."

Between his complete confidence in Essington and the
Baron's unqualified commendation, Lord Tulliwuddle
was carried away by the project.

"I say, Essington, what a good fellow you are!" he
cried. "You really think it will work?"

"What do you say, Baron?"

"It cannot fail, I do solemnly assure you. Be
thankful you have soch a friend, Tollyvoddle!"

"You don't think anybody will suspect that you aren't
really me?"

"Does any one up at Hechnahoul know you?"

"No."