Mr. Ingelow started, and stared at sight of the trio, where he had
looked for but one.

Miss Dane greeted him with smiling cordiality, and there was nothing for
it but to sink into a chair.

Before Mollie's last word of welcome was uttered, the door opened for
the third time, and enter Mr. Sardonyx.

The tableau was indescribably ludicrous. The four men glared at one
another vengefully, and then four pairs of eyes turned indignantly upon
Miss Dane for an explanation. They had it.

"Gentlemen," said Miss Dane, with her sweetest smile, "I invited you
here this morning because you are very particular friends, and I wished
to give you an agreeable surprise before all the avenue knows it. Doctor
Oleander, Mr. Ingelow, Mr. Sardonyx, allow me to present to you my
plighted husband, Sir Roger Trajenna."




CHAPTER VI.

MOLLIE'S BRIDAL.


Imagine that tableau!