olve you, with a future so clouded as mine is
to be for the coming months."

"You forget," she replied, "that it is my right in your absence to think
of you as my husband."

So it was settled that on the next day, just before noon, they should be
married; that they should separate at the church, she to return with her
mother, Sedgwick to start with Jordan on their long journey.

Then Grace called her mother. The matter was explained to her, and she
readily consented to the marriage, saying to Sedgwick: "You know I asked
you, in case Grace returned your affection, that the matter might for the
present be held a secret. My reason was that I felt that something
sinister, which I could not understand, was at work. I think you and
Grace have a right to belong to each other; that if you must go away.
Grace is right in wishing that when you are gone she can think of you as
her husband."

So arranged, Sedgwick went to find Jordan. A steamer had sailed the
previous day from Southampton for Port Natal, via the Suez Canal, and
Sedgwick's plan was to join that ship at Port Said.

He found Jordan, told him of the change in the arrangements; fixed with
him to have all needed baggage at the Dover depot, to meet him at the
church at 11:30 next day, and after the ceremony to start with him from
the church on their long journey.

"I'll be thar, old friend," said Jordan. "Thet's ther sensible business.
Make ther splendid girl yo'r wife, and pervide for her so thet if
anything happens she'll be safe agin the petty cares that break women's
hearts."

Then Sedgwick returned to the Hamlin house, and went straight to Jack's
room.

Browning greeted him with a smile, and said, "Jim, old pard, it's all
right. The marriage goes, even as you planned, and I have found and
secured a nest for my bird."

"Good," said Sedgwick; "but the arrangements have been changed a little;
or, I might say, enlarged upon a little. As I understand it now, you,
with Rose and her mother, will be at the church at 11:30 to-morrow. I
will be there with Mrs. Hamlin and Grace. We will be the witnesses of
your marriage, and then, Jack, old man, you and Mrs. Browning must be
witnesses for Grace and me."

Jack sprang from his chair, and cried: "Are you and Grace fond of each
other?"

"Well, somewhat, I trust," said Sedgwick.

"And you are really engaged?" cried Jack.

"For all this life, at least," said Sedgwick; then added gravely, "and
heaven itself would be