“Like it!” returned Master Cheese, the tears coming into his eyes with eagerness, “I wish I could be where I should have nothing else for a whole week.”

“The first week’s holiday you get at Bartholomew’s, you must come and pay Verner’s Pride a visit, and we will keep you supplied.  Mrs. Verner will be glad to see you.”

Master Cheese gave a great gasp.  The words seemed too good to be real.

“Do you mean it, sir?” he asked.

“Of course I mean it,” replied Lionel.  “I owe you a debt, you know.  But for your having blown yourself and the room up, I might not now be in possession of Verner’s Pride.  You come and spend a week with us when you can.”

“That’s glorious, and I’m much obliged to you, sir,” said Master Cheese, in an ecstasy.  “I think I’ll have just another custard on the strength of it.”

Jan was imperturbable—­he had seen too much of Master Cheese for any display to affect him—­but Lionel laughed heartily as they left the gentleman and the alcove.  How well he looked—­Lionel!  The indented line of pain had gone from his brow:  he was as a man at rest within.

“Jan, I feel truly glad at the news sent to us a day or two ago!” he exclaimed, pressing his brother’s arm.  “I always feared you would not marry.  I never thought you would marry one so desirable as Mary Elmsley.”

“I don’t think I’d have had anybody else,” answered Jan.  “I like her; always did like her; and if she has taken a fancy to me, and doesn’t mind putting up with a husband that’s called out at all hours, why—­it’s all right.”

“You will not give up your profession, Jan?”

“Give up my profession?” echoed Jan, in surprise, staring with all his eyes at Lionel.  “What should I do that for?”

“When Mary shall be Lady Mary Verner, she may be for wishing it.”

“No, she won’t,” answered Jan.  “She knows her wishing it would be of no use.  She marries my profession as much as she marries me.  It is all settled.  Lord Elmsley makes it a point that I take my degree, and I don’t mind doing that to please him.  I shall be a hard-working doctor always, and Mary knows it.”

“Have you taken Belvedere House?”

“I intend to take it.  Mary likes it, and I can afford it, with her income joined to mine.  If she is a lady, she’s not a fine one,” added Jan, “and I shall be just as quiet and comfortable as I have been in the old place.  She says she’ll see to the housekeeping and to my shirts, and—­”

Jan stopped.  They had come up with Lady Verner, and Mary Elmsley.  Lionel spoke laughingly.

“So Jan is appreciated at last!”

Lady Verner lifted her hands with a deprecatory movement.  “It took me three whole days before I would believe it,” she gravely said.  “Even now, there are times when I think Mary must be playing with him.”

Lady Mary shook her head with a blush and a smile.  Lionel took her on his arm, and walked away with her.