Evidence in proof of a marriage (I say)--nothing more." While Sir Patrick had been speaking, Geoffrey had been considering with himself.

By dint of hard thinking he had found his way to a decisive question on his side.
"Look here!" he said, dropping his heavy hand down on the table.

"I want to bring you to book, Sir! Suppose my friend had another lady in his eye ?" "Yes ?" "As things are now--would you advise him to marry her ?" "As things are now--certainly not!" Geoffrey got briskly on his legs, and closed the interview.
"That will do," he said, "for him and for me." With those words he walked back, without ceremony, into the main thoroughfare of the room.
"I don't know who your friend is," thought Sir Patrick, looking after him.

"But if your interest in the question of his marriage is an honest and a harmless interest, I know no more of human nature than the babe unborn!" Immediately on leaving Sir Patrick, Geoffrey was encountered by one of the servants in search of him.
"I beg your pardon, Sir," began the man.

"The groom from the Honorable Mr.Delamayn's--" "Yes?
The fellow who brought me a note from my brother this morning ?" "He's expected back, Sir--he's afraid he mustn't wait any longer." "Come here, and I'll give you the answer for him." He led the way to the writing-table, and referred to Julius's letter again.