She was,--well, Patty, she ran away from me." "Oh, that's all right, then, that's a time-honoured device to postpone the psychological moment! Well, may I make the announcement at dinner ?" "No; I think not.

For, though I couldn't help hoping, from the look in her eyes, that she cares for me,--yet she said--" "What did she say ?" "Nothing coherent or understandable,--but--well, she didn't--she didn't say 'yes'." "Oh, that's nothing,--she will.

But I won't make the announcement till she tells me to.

There's the dinner gong,--come on." It wasn't until the others were seated at the table that Azalea come into the dining-room.

She looked quite unlike her usual self, and was very quiet.