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110 going on a wedding trip, we must live in retirement for a month. I had Fashion on my side, thank goodness.

"To-night!" I exclaimed aghast.

"Why not?"

"It is not usual, Arthur. Why c-can't we have a nice l-little dinner alone?"

"Nonsense. It is perfectly proper to ask one's parents and most intimate friends to the house, I am sure. Elsie, I cannot put Captain Dillington off. You—you do not want me to do so."

He appealed to me. What could I say! I felt that an untruth would be the only thing that would please him. If I told the truth it would be to the effect that I hated Captain Dillington at all times, and my hatred was, if possible, intensified, just now.

"No, no," I said, choking down a little sob, "don't put him off. When d-did you invite him, Arthur?"

"When?"

"Yes, when?"

"Last night."