only wants a proper place to come in."

Aloud: "It is so warm here--I feel quite faint, really. Suppose we step
out on the piazza a moment?"

An instant later and they emerged through the drawing-room window to the
piazza, Mollie wrapped in a scarlet shawl, along which her bright curls
waved like sunshine. The night was still, warm, and moonlight; the
twinkling lights of the great city shone like a shower of stars.

And here, for the third time that eventful night, Mollie Dane listened
to an ardent avowal of love. For the third time the long lashes drooped
over the mischievous eyes.

"This is so sudden--so unexpected--Mr. Sardonyx! I feel highly
complimented, of course; but still you must pardon me if I do not reply
at once. Give me until to-morrow, at noon. Come then and you will be
answered."

She fluttered away like a spirit with the last words, leaving the
hopeful lawyer standing in ecstasy. Of course she meant to accept him,
or she would have refused him on the spot.

For the rest of the time Miss Dane was exclusively the Welsh baronet's,
and listened with unruffled serenity to his reproaches.

"You are driving me distracted, Mollie," he said, piteously. "You must
let me speak to your guardian without further delay. I insist upon it."

"Very well," replied Miss Dane, calmly. "As you please, certainly. You