Then Grace called her mother.  The matter was explained to her, and she readily consented to the marriage, saying to Sedgwick:  “You know I asked you, in case Grace returned your affection, that the matter might for the present be held a secret.  My reason was that I felt that something sinister, which I could not understand, was at work.  I think you and Grace have a right to belong to each other; that if you must go away.  Grace is right in wishing that when you are gone she can think of you as her husband.”

So arranged, Sedgwick went to find Jordan.  A steamer had sailed the previous day from Southampton for Port Natal, via the Suez Canal, and Sedgwick’s plan was to join that ship at Port Said.

He found Jordan, told him of the change in the arrangements; fixed with him to have all needed baggage at the Dover depot, to meet him at the church at 11:30 next day, and after the ceremony to start with him from the church on their long journey.

“I’ll be thar, old friend,” said Jordan.  “Thet’s ther sensible business.  Make ther splendid girl yo’r wife, and pervide for her so thet if anything happens she’ll be safe agin the petty cares that break women’s hearts.”

Then Sedgwick returned to the Hamlin house, and went straight to Jack’s room.

Browning greeted him with a smile, and said, “Jim, old pard, it’s all right.  The marriage goes, even as you planned, and I have found and secured a nest for my bird.”

“Good,” said Sedgwick; “but the arrangements have been changed a little; or, I might say, enlarged upon a little.  As I understand it now, you, with Rose and her mother, will be at the church at 11:30 to-morrow.  I will be there with Mrs. Hamlin and Grace.  We will be the witnesses of your marriage, and then, Jack, old man, you and Mrs. Browning must be witnesses for Grace and me.”

Jack sprang from his chair, and cried:  “Are you and Grace fond of each other?”

“Well, somewhat, I trust,” said Sedgwick.

“And you are really engaged?” cried Jack.

“For all this life, at least,” said Sedgwick; then added gravely, “and heaven itself would be a cold and cheerless place to me without my saving Grace.”

Then Browning wrung the hand of Sedgwick, embraced him, danced around the room; then shook hands again, crying:  “This is superb! this is glorious, by Jove!  Why, of course it would be all wrong any other way.  O, Jim, bless my soul, how glad I am!”

Then Sedgwick said:  “Browning, we have not much time.  You understand I will leave my wife”—­his voice trembled—­“at the church door.  I am going away—­where, no matter—­with a thought in my mind which, please, do not ask me.  I may be gone two months, maybe six months.