She
says it would be like marrying a clockwork figure without the key. She's
more frank than complimentary, but I like that.'
"'Wait a minute,' I said; 'an idea occurs to me. Does she know of your
identity with Smith?'
"'No,' he replied, alarmed, 'I would not have her know it for worlds.
Only yesterday she told me that I reminded her of a fellow she had met at
Yarmouth, and my heart was in my mouth.'
"'How did she look when she told you that?' I asked.
"'How did she look?' he repeated, not understanding me.
"'What was her expression at that moment?' I said--'was it severe or
tender?'
"'Well,' he replied, 'now I come to think of it, she did seem to soften a
bit just then.'
"'My dear boy,' I said, 'the case is as clear as daylight. She loves
Smith. No girl who admired Smith could be attracted by Smythe. As your
present self you will never win her. In a few weeks' time, however, you
will be Smith. Leave the matter over until then. Propose to her as
Smith, and she will accept you. After marriage you can break Smythe
gently to her.'
"'By Jove!' he exclaimed, startled out of his customary lethargy, 'I
never thought of that. The truth is, when I am in my right senses, Smith
and all his affairs seem like a dream to me. Any idea connected with him
would never enter my mind.
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