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"A sudden resolution, sir, but not a sudden ideaIf she agrees, all iswell and goodThe sequence is obvious"

"And it is to be kept a secret ast ourselves?"

"I want no secret, sir, except for MioodFor myself, I shouldlike to shout it froe to our eneht work incalculable harm"

"And hoould you suggest, Adam, that we could combine the momentousquestion with secrecy?"

Adarew red and moved uneasily

"Someone must ask her--as soon as possible!"

"And that someone?"

"I thought that you, sir, would be so good!"

"God bless my soul!This is a new kind of duty to take on--at my time oflifeAdam, I hope you know that you can count on me to help in any wayI can!"

"I have already counted on you, sir, when I ventured to estionI can only ask," he added, "that you will be more than everkind to race, prompted by kindness and affection"

"Painful duty!"

"Yes," said Adah to me it would be alljoyful"

"It is a strange job for an early o the betterYou had better write a line for meto take with meFor, you see, this is to be a so to the lady, even toto show that we havebeen sIt will not do to take acquiescence forgranted--although we act for her good"

"Sir Nathaniel, you are a true friend; I arateful to you for all our lives--however long they may be!"

So the two talked it over and agreed as to points to be borne inten when Sir Nathaniel left the house,Ada him quietly off