"When your father was telling that story about the man overboard."

"No. What did he do? Tell me, Launce."

"I'll tell you directly. How did it all end last night? Did your father
make any sort of promise?"

"You know Richard's way; Richard left him no other choice. Papa had to
promise before he was allowed to go to bed."

"To let Turlington marry you?"

"Yes; the week after my next birthday."

"The week after next Christmas-day?"

"Yes. Papa is to speak to me as soon as we are at home again, and my
married life is to begin with the New Year."

"Are you in earnest, Natalie? Do you really mean to say it has gone as
far as that?"

"They have settled everything. The splendid establishment we are to set
up, the great income we are to have. I heard papa tell Richard that half
his fortune should go to me on my wedding-day. It was sickening to hear
how much they made of Money, and how little they thought of Love. What
am I to do, Launce?"

"That's easily answered, my darling. In the first place, you are to make