"You're wrong, George," he said; "but it is too late now to set you
right. On the sixteenth of next month the Banns must be put up in Ossory
church, or you will lose the money. Have you told Miss Vanstone the
position you stand in? Or have you put that off to the eleventh hour,
like everything else?"
"The position is so extraordinary, sir, and it might lead to so much
misapprehension of my motives, that I have felt unwilling to allude to
it. I hardly know how I can tell her of it at all."
"Try the experiment of telling her friends. Let them know it's a
question of money, and they will overcome her scruples, if you can't.
But that is not what I had to say to you. How long do you propose
stopping here this time?"
"I thought of staying a few days, and then--"
"And then of going back to London and making your offer, I suppose?
Will a week give you time enough to pick your opportunity with Miss
Vanstone--a week out of the fortnight or so that you have to spare?"
"I will stay here a week, admiral, with pleasure, if you wish it."
"I don't wish it. I want you to pack up your traps and be off
to-morrow."
George looked at his uncle in silent astonishment.
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