"Yes."

"But wasn't that a little premature? Perhaps it wouldn't have been
necessary. Or did you take me for granted"

"There was always the car for a kidnapping in case of necessity,"
he joked.

"Why did you do it?"

"I wanted to be above board about it even if I am an adventurer."

"What did he say? How could you put it in a telegram?"

"Red consoles marooned sweet post delayed."

"Dear me! What gibberish is that?"

"It's from our private code. It means, 'Going to marry your
daughter if she is willing. With your consent, I hope.'"

"And he answered? I'll take the English version, please."

"'Consent refused. No fortune hunters need apply.' That is not a
direct quotation, but it conveys his meaning accurately enough."

"So I'm to be cut off with a shilling." Her eyes bubbled with
delight.