Page:Marsh--The seen and the unseen.djvu/344

320 minutes to two for Paris, only I appeared upon the scene in the very nick of time."

The Duke lumbered into the room.

"What the devil" he began, then he stopped He glared at the Earl. The Earl beamed at him.

"Edith," said Mrs. Paynter, going to her daughter, who had her arm about the Duchess, "what is the meaning of your peculiar behaviour?"

"Come into the other room! Come, Duchess, into the other room."

When they were in the other room, Mrs. Paynter repeated her inquiry.

"Now, Edith, perhaps you will explain."

"I don't know that there is anything to explain, unless—Duchess, what do you think? I'm going to be married."

The mother gasped.

"You are going to be married, Edith! When?"

"Perhaps next week."

"To to whom?"

"To Douglas!"

PLYMOUTH W. BRENDON AND SON, PRINTERS