Page:The time spirit; a romantic tale (IA timespiritromant00snaiiala).pdf/304

 Wren "hoped they would wrap up well," and then Milly stepped deftly back three paces from the door, saying, "You know the way down, Charley," as clear an intimation as any young man could desire that it was up to him to lead it.

Charles led the way accordingly, and then came Milly's chance.

"What has happened?"

"Uncle Albert has sent for us."

"For both?"

"For both!"

Just for a moment Mary's feelings nearly proved too much for her. Having come to despair of Bridport House, there had been no reason to hope for this sudden change of front. She simply couldn't fathom it. That was also true of Milly. And as the significance of the whole thing rushed upon that imperious creature, she turned to Mary in the manner of Helen, the Spartan Queen. "A last word to you, Miss Lawrence!" Her voice trembled with excitement. "If you do anything idiotic, I'll never speak to you again. And that's official!"

V

As the crow flies, it is just nine minutes from Broad Place to Bridport House. Therefore they had time to burn. And as it was such a perfect day for motoring, it was a day equally well adapted for sitting under the trees in the Park.

Force majeure was applied so vigorously by Mrs. Wren, with timely aid from the Tenderfoot, that Mary was not given half a chance to jib at this new and amaz