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Collins, Wilkie, 1824-1889

"No Name"

Captain Wragge
opened the carriage door, seized his outstretched hand, and pulled him
in without ceremony.
"Your housekeeper has gone," whispered the captain, "and you are to
be married on Monday. Don't agitate yourself, and don't express your
feelings--there isn't time for it. Get the first active servant you can
find in the house to pack your bag in ten minutes, take leave of the
admiral, and come back at once with me to the London train."
Noel Vanstone faintly attempted to ask a question. The captain declined
to hear it.
"As much talk as you like on the road," he said. "Time is too precious
for talking here. How do we know Lecount may not think better of it? How
do we know she may not turn back before she gets to Zurich?"
That startling consideration terrified Noel Vanstone into instant
submission.
"What shall I say to the admiral?" he asked, helplessly.
"Tell him you are going to be married, to be sure! What does it matter,
now Lecount's back is turned? If he wonders you didn't tell him before,
say it's a runaway match, and the bride is waiting for you. Stop! Any
letters addressed to you in your absence will be sent to this place, of
course? Give the admiral these envelopes, and tell him to forward your
letters under cover to me.


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