I am going to the blue room now, and don't you forget my directions, or I shall box your ears." Miss Dane sailed off.

Margaret looked after her with a queer face.
"She'd do it, too! I wonder what all this means?
Some piece of mischief, I'll be bound!" The baronet arrived, prompt to the hour, and was ushered at once into the presence of his enchantress.

Fifteen minutes after came Dr.
Oleander, shown by demure Margaret into the drawing-room; and scarcely was he seated when ting-a-ling! went the bell, and the door was opened to Mr.Hugh Ingelow.

Mr.Ingelow was left to compose himself in the library.

Then there was a pause, and then, last of all, arrived Mr.
Sardonyx.
The blue room bell rang.