father. Yes--father. Of course there's nothing else. Why do you ask?"

"Just to be asking," I replied.

At that point we came to the shop where we were to buy our supper, and I
was glad to change the subject. I had learned definitely that there was a
man in the case, and my task would be to put him out if I could. The man
who first enters a young girl's heart is hard to dislodge, and the worst
part of the terrible business is that even she herself may be unable to
expel him her whole life through.

When supper was well under way that evening, I took the opportunity to
set my great ball rolling, and said:--

"Uncle Richard, I have come from London for the purpose of offering a
suggestion which may eventually be of advantage to all of you."

Sarah put down her knife and fork to listen; Frances held hers in
suspense, and Sir Richard looked up quickly, asking:--

"What is it, nephew? We all thank you in advance."

A cold bath is better taken quickly, so I plunged in.

"The Duchess of York has announced her intention to choose four maids of
honor by personal inspection. Aside from the fact that they must be of
good family, they will be taken solely on account of their beauty, the
most beautiful to win."

Frances dropped her knife and fork and sprang to her feet, exclaiming:--