THE ORDEAL 



than before. For I've been prepar- 

 ing her by telling her all about my 

 people and prospects, and so on, 

 though I've not asked her right out. 

 But it seems to me she is very young, 

 you know, and you're getting on a 

 bit " 



"Thanks, Jack, but I'm not so old 

 as all that ; and even if she took a 

 man of my age, it would be better for 

 her than being shackled on to a 

 flighty young Devil like you." 



The Devil gave up this argument 

 with a sigh, and lay back in his chair 

 with his arms behind his head, star- 

 ing at the ceiling for further inspira- 

 tion. 



Presently Calvert continued : " No, 

 my boy, I am perfectly fixed on it. 

 But are you quite sure that you mean 



100 



