"Miss Markham," said he, "if this marriage should take place, it would be entirely different from other marriages.

If I should not return, and it should be considered legal, it may make you all rich and happy.

If it should not hold good, we can only think we have done our best.

But as to anything beyond this, or to any question of my return, or any other question in connection with the matter, our minds should be shut and locked.

This matter is a business proposition, and as such I lay it before you.