I may now tell you, in strict confidence, that our friend has already written a letter to his wife, ready to be posted as soon as ever the last details are settled.

By the by, Gammon, I hope there can be no doubt as to Lady Polperro's willingness to concur in what her husband proposes ?" "I don't know anything about that," Gammon replied.

"I can't answer for her." "Naturally.

Of course not.

But I hope there will be no unexpected difficulty on that side.