D'ye think 'e wouldn't understand wot it meant, and spoil it, to say nothing of Teddy seeing through it?
"Well, wot's to be done, then ?" inquired the staring Mr.Kybird.
"Send 'em up to London and 'ave 'em married by special license," said Mr.
Smith, speaking rapidly--"to-morrow, if possible; if not, the day after.
Go and pitch a tale to Teddy to-night, and make 'im understand it's to be done on the strict q.t." "Special licenses cost money," said Mr.Kybird.

"I 'ave 'eard it's a matter o' thirty pounds or thereabouts." Mr.Nathan Smith rose, and his eyes were almost expressive.

He nodded good-night to the ladies and crossed to the door.

Mrs.Kybird suddenly seized him by the coat and held him.
[Illustration: "Mrs.Kybird suddenly seized him by the coat."] "Don't be in a 'urry, Nat," she pleaded.

"We ain't all as clever as you are." "Talk about looking a gift-'orse in the mouth--" began the indignant Mr.
Smith.
"Sit down," urged Mr.Kybird.