“Soon?” said the Vicar.

“I hope so, really. This unsettled state of affairs uses up the time, and when one has notions in science, every moment is an opportunity. I feel sure that marriage must be the best thing for a man who wants to work steadily. He has everything at home then⁠—no teasing with personal speculations⁠—he can get calmness and freedom.”

“You are an enviable dog,” said the Vicar, “to have such a prospect⁠—Rosamond, calmness and freedom, all to your share. Here am I with nothing but my pipe and pond-animalcules. Now, are you ready?”