"Do you mean to say I've parleyed for hours with a high-spirited gentleman and two--two--timid maiden ladies, just to give your Aunt Amelia a pleasant surprise ?" He sank into a chair and wiped his beaded brow feebly.

"I ought to have had more confidence in you," he said faintly.

"I ought to know your powers by now.

And I did.

I know well that any people who have dealings with you are likely to get a surprise; but I thought your Aunt Amelia was going to get it; and I've got it myself." "But you didn't think that we would humbug Aunt Amelia ?" said the Terror in a pained tone and with the most virtuous air.
"Gracious, no!" cried Sir Maurice.