"My darling little Mollie, if you loved me half as much as I love you,
you would understand. And you will really be mine in a month?"

"Or two. Yes, if you insist upon it. If I am to be Lady Trajenna first
or last, it may as well be first, I suppose."

"And you will not change your mind?"

"Of course not," said Mollie, indignantly. "When Mollie Dane gives her
word, the laws of the Medes and--what's their names?--are nothing to it.
Don't tease, Sir Roger. When I promise a thing, it's as good as done."

Mollie danced away to the piano, and held her infatuated baronet
spell-bound until luncheon time.

At table Mr. and Mrs. Walraven met them, and immediately after the meal
the baronet formally requested the pleasure of a private interview.

"Can he really be going to ask for Mollie?" thought Mr. Walraven. "Upon
my word, if he is, this is quite a new role for me--playing the part of
venerable parent, and that to a white-haired gentleman who numbers a
round score more years than myself."

He led the way to his study, followed by the baronet. And Sir Roger came
to the point at once, calmly, proudly, with grave dignity.

"The disparity of years is great, I know," he said. "But if she is
willing to overlook that objection, you surely may. There is no other
drawback that I am aware of. A Trajenna, of Trajenna, might mate with