opportunity was irresistible. So Doctor Guy Oleander is going to
propose, and Mollie Dane is to say 'yes' on the impulse of the moment,
and Mamma Blanche is to make her stick to her word! And it's all to
happen after the polka quadrille! Very well; I'm ready. If Doctor
Oleander and his cousin don't find their match, my name's not Mollie!"

Miss Dane consulted her jeweled tablets, and discovered that the polka
quadrille was the very next in order.

Shaking out her rosy skirts, she fluttered away, mercilessly bent on
manslaughter. Every one made way for the daughter of the house, and in
a moment she was beside Dr. Oleander, holding up the inlaid tablets, and
smiling her brightest in his dazzled eyes.

"Such disgraceful conduct, Doctor Oleander! I have been searching for
you everywhere. I appeal to you, Colonel Marshland; he engaged me for
this quadrille. There is the music now, and he leaves me to hunt the
house for him."

"Unpardonable," said the gallant colonel. "At his age I should have
known better. Oleander, make your peace if you can."

The colonel made his bow, and then he walked away.

Dr. Oleander drew her arm inside his own, bending very low over the
sparkling sprite.

"You are not implacable, I trust, Miss Mollie. It was all the colonel's
fault, I assure you."