I--you see--I very unexpectedly returned home--and--and discovered this--this situation.

That is all." She gathered a little more courage.

"I do not need to inform you that I have been away." "Of course, we know you've been away!" said Jack.

"But that Mrs.De Peyster at the pier--who is she ?" "She's nothing--but a base--impostor!" cried Olivetta indignantly, lifting her face for a moment from her woe-soaked handkerchief.

"Don't you believe a word she says!" "But we're all ready for the ceremony!" exclaimed Jack.