“ ‘I am very much obliged to you for your good opinion, Sir,’ said Tom Smart.

“ ‘Therefore,’ resumed the old gentleman, in a dictatorial tone, ‘you shall have her, and he shall not.’

“ ‘What is to prevent it?’ said Tom Smart eagerly.

“ ‘This disclosure,’ replied the old gentleman; ‘he is already married.’

“ ‘How can I prove it?’ said Tom, starting half out of bed.