should forget to kiss the bridesmaids. Lord knows what I shouldn't do. So
we're going up to London to be married on the Q.T., and don't you say
nothing to nobody."

"So you've been in this conspiracy for a fortnight," said Zora severely,
"and you never thought it your duty to stop him doing so foolish a thing?"

"As getting married, ma'am?"

"No. Such a silly thing as running away."

"Of course I did, ma'am," said Wiggleswick, who went on mendaciously to
explain that he had used every means in his power to prevail on his master
to submit to the orthodox ceremony for the sake of the family.

"Then you might have given me a hint as to what was going on."

Wiggleswick assumed a shocked expression. "And disobey my master? Orders is
orders, ma'am. I once wore the Queen's uniform."

Zora, sitting on the arm of a chair, half steadying herself with her
umbrella, regarded the old man standing respectfully at attention before
her with a smile whose quizzicality she could not restrain. The old villain
drew himself up in a dignified way.

"I don't mean the government uniform, ma'am. I've had my misfortunes like
anyone else. I was once in the army--in the band."

"Mr. Dix told me that you had been in the band," said Zora with all her
graciousness, so as to atone for the smile. "You played that instrument in