“I believe it does, Jack,” he answered.  “I was just thinking as you came in that I had better pull out for home.  The atmosphere here is like a drift without any air-pipe.”

“Nonsense,” said Browning; “you cannot go.  You must wait for my wedding.  It would be all spoiled without you.  I was planning it on the way.  It will be in the church, of course, just before midday.  You will be the best man—­as usual.  You and my sister shall do the honors that day.  All my friends will be there.  I will have the church smothered in flowers.  I will corrupt the organist, bribe the choir, double-bank the preacher in advance, and we will all have a rousing time.  We will, by Jove!”

Sedgwick smiled at his friend’s happiness, and said:  “Did you ever think that maybe I would be a little out of training for a performance of that kind?  I think I would sooner risk keeping my seat on a wild mustang.”

“You can do it, Sedgwick,” said Jack.  “You must do it.  I would not feel half married unless you were present, and then, did you not promise to come and see me through?”

“Who will give away the bride?” asked Sedgwick.

The question seemed to startle Browning.  “That reminds me,” he said, doubtingly, “that I have neither seen my governor nor old man Jenvie.  I left home telling mother and Grace that before I went home to live I would have to be invited by the governor.  And that reminds me, too, Jim, there must not be a word about my money.  I have only carried the idea that I worked for three years in the mines in America.  They will reckon it up and conclude that if I was prudent I may have saved L400 or L500.”

“That reminds me,” said Sedgwick, “that no one must know that I have anything more than the savings of three or four years’ work.  It would give you away if the facts were known about my little fortune.  But, Jack, could you not get along just as well without me?  You ought to be in your own home and ought to enjoy every moment of time, while I am, in this vast waste of houses, what one solitary monkey would be in a South American wilderness.”

“I will not hear of it, old pard,” said Browning.  “You see, if the governor asks me home you will go with me, and we will cabin together as of old.  We will, by Jove!  If he does not, then you must help me hold the fort in this hotel until I can bring my wife here,” and he blushed like a girl when he spoke the word “wife.”

The day wore heavily away.  It was almost dark when a carriage stopped at the hotel and the cards of Archibald Hamlin and Percival Jenvie were brought in.  Browning received them, and glancing at them handed them to Sedgwick, whispering, “They are the old duffers, Jim,” caught up his hat, said to the servant, “Show me the gentlemen,” and followed him out of the room.

He was absent a full half-hour.  When he returned the two old men accompanied him and were presented to Jack.  They were very gracious, invited Sedgwick to come with his son and make his son’s home his home while in London.