``Fine! Oh, yes, I suppose so, though I must
confess I haven't noticed it--and you wouldn't,
if you had a lunatic on your hands.''

``A lunatic!''

``Yes. Maybe you have, though. Is Marie
rampaging around the house like a wild creature,
and asking ten questions and making twenty
threats to the minute?''

``Certainly not! Don't be absurd, Bertram.
What do you mean?''

``See here, Kate, that show comes off at twelve
sharp, doesn't it?''

``Show, indeed!'' retorted Kate, indignantly.
``The _wedding_ is at noon sharp--as the best man
should know very well.''

``All right; then tell Billy, please, to see that it
is sharp, or I won't answer for the consequences.''

``What do you mean? What is the matter?''

``Cyril. He's broken loose at last. I've been
expecting it all along. I've simply marvelled at
the meekness with which he has submitted himself