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DIAMONDS TO SIT ON

The stranger fell on to his knees in silence. It was Father Theodore. ‘ What on earth are you doing that for ? ’ asked the engineer jumping up. ‘ Get up ! ’ I shan t get up, said Father Theodore, staring up at the engineer with crystal clear eyes. ‘ Get up ! ’ repeated the engineer. ‘ I shan’t get up.’ And Father Theodore, careful not to hurt himself, began to knock his head against the ground. slightly alarmed, come and see what’s happening.’ And then turning to Father Theodore he continued : ‘ Do get up. I implore you.’ ‘ I shall not get up.’ Darling ran out on to the veranda. She knew by the sound of her husband’s voice that he was serious. The moment Father Theodore saw the lady, he crawled towards her on his knees, bowed to her, and said imploringly ; ‘ All my hopes, my dear lady’ are centred in you.’ The engineer flushed with rage. He seized the stranger under the arms and tried to lift him up, but Father Theodore was cunning. He had his knees tucked firmly under his body and was an absolutely dead weight. Bruns was so indignant that he dragged his strange guest into a corner and forced him on to a chair. It was a Gambs chair, not one of Hippolyte’s, but one from the Popov drawing-room. ‘ I daren’t,’ muttered Father Theodore. ‘ I simply dare not sit in the presence of such exalted personages,’ and he ma,de another attempt to fall on his knees. With a quick move the engineer caught him by the shoulders and stopped him in time. Darling,’ he said to his wife, ' do speak to the citizen. There must be some misunderstanding ’ Speaking in a matter-of-fact voice, Darhng turned
 * Darling ! Darling ! ’ shouted the engineer, feeling