"What!"

"It will be a most suitable match in every way," said Mrs. Porter.

Bailey bounded to his feet.

"It's incredible!" he shouted. "It's ridiculous! It's abominable!
It's--it's incredible!"

Mrs. Porter gazed upon his transports with about the same amount of
interest which she would have bestowed upon a whirling dervish at Coney
Island.

"You have not seen Mr. Winfield, I gather?"

"When I do, he will have reason to regret it. I----"

"Sit down."

Bailey sat down.

"Ruth and Mr. Winfield are both perfect types. Mr. Winfield is really a
splendid specimen of a man. As to his intelligence, I say nothing. I
have ceased to expect intelligence in man, and I am grateful for the
smallest grain. But physically, he is magnificent. I could not wish
dear Ruth a better husband."

Bailey had pulled himself together with a supreme effort and had
achieved a frozen calm.