It was his cousin's husband, who brought word that he was not to be
present at the interview. The tactful cousin had felt that it would be
better to leave the young lady alone with her suitor; then, too, the
younger sister would not come, and the presence of Mr. Liakos was quite
unnecessary; her instructions were that he should spend the evening with
her husband at the club.

Mr. Plateas felt his knees give way under him. What--go in and face the
two ladies all alone! No, decidedly he hadn't the courage for that. But
his supporters, one on either side, urged and encouraged the unhappy man
until they reached the threshold, when the door opened and they pushed
him in, regardless of his protests, then closed it again, and went off
to the club.

When Mr. Liakos learned that his sweetheart was not coming, he submitted
to his banishment with stoicism; but it seemed to him that the evening
at the club would never come to an end. About ten o'clock a servant came
to say that Mr. Plateas was waiting for him; he rushed downstairs and
found his friend in the street. By the light of a street lamp the judge
saw at once from the expression of the suitor's face that the visit had
been a complete success. The professor looked like another man.

"Well?" asked Mr. Liakos, eagerly.

"I tell you, she isn't plain at all!" exclaimed Mr. Plateas. "When she
speaks her voice is like music, and she has a charming expression! As
for her little hand,--it's simply exquisite!"

"You kissed it, I suppose?" said the judge.