The plump lieutenant went away very happy, notwithstanding the two or three little rubs he had met with, and a good deal more in love than ever.

And he and his companion were both thoughtful, and the walk home was quite silent, though very pleasant.
Cluffe was giving shape mentally to his designs upon Miss Rebecca's L20,000 and savings.

He knew she had had high offers in her young days and refused; but those were past and gone--and gray hairs bring wisdom--and women grow more practicable as the time for action dwindles--and she was just the woman to take a fancy--and 'once the maggot bit,' to go any honest length to make it fact.

And Cluffe knew that he had the field to himself, and that he was a well-made, handsome, agreeable officer--not so young as to make the thing absurd, yet young enough to inspire the right sort of feeling.

To be sure, there were a few things to be weighed.