She is mine already." "And doesn't know it ?" suggested Crowther.
"Yes, she does in her heart of hearts,--or soon will.

I shall send her a post-card to-morrow and sum up the situation." "On a post-card ?" Crowther sounded puzzled, and Piers broke into a laugh and descended to earth.
"Yes, in one expressive word--'Rats!' No one else will understand it, but she will." "A little abrupt!" commented Crowther.
"Yes, I'm going to be abrupt now," said Piers with imperial confidence.
"I'm going to storm the position." "And you are sure you will carry it ?" "Quite sure." Piers' voice held not the faintest shade of doubt.
"I hope you will, lad," said Crowther kindly.

"And--that being the case--may I say what I set out to say ?" "Oh, go ahead!" said Piers.
"It's only this," said Crowther, in his slow, quiet way.

"Only a word of advice, sonny, which I shouldn't give if I didn't know that your life's happiness hangs on your taking it.

You're young, but there's a locked door in your past.