Then I adjusted it to the matter in hand which was neither more nor less than an elopement.

Yes, by Jove! It was something very much like an elopement--with certain unusual characteristics of its own which made it in a sense equivocal.

With amused wonder I remembered that my sagacity was requisitioned in such a connection.

How unexpected! But we never know what tests our gifts may be put to.

Sagacity dictated caution first of all.