For an instant there was dead silence; a bomb bursting in their midst
could hardly have startled them more. Mollie dared not look in their
faces, lest the inward laughter that convulsed her should burst forth.

Sir Roger Trajenna, a little surprised, yet bowed with gentlemanly ease,
while the three young men sat perfectly thunder-struck.

The dead blank was broken by Dr. Oleander.

"Permit me to congratulate Sir Roger Trajenna," he said, bowing to
that gentleman; "and permit me to thank Miss Dane for this exceedingly
unexpected mark of preference. If it is ever in my power to return your
condescension, Miss Mollie, believe me you will find my memory good. I
wish you all good-morning."

His immovable face had not changed, but his gray eyes flashed one
bright, fierce glance at Mollie, that said, plainly as words, "I will
have revenge for this insult as sure as my name is Guy Oleander".

But saucy Mollie only answered that sinister look by her brightest
glance and smile; and taking his hat, Dr. Oleander strode away.

Then Mr. Sardonyx arose. He had been sitting like a statue, but
the words and departure of his fellow-victim seemed to restore
consciousness.

"Am I to understand, Miss Dane, that this is the answer you meant when
you invited me here to-day?" he sternly asked.

"Did I really invite you? Oh, yes! Of course, Mr. Sardonyx, it must