"I'm really to go with you?" she gasped.

"Yes, yes, I thought all that was settled," said he, rather impatiently.
"Bring a pretty frock. I want my wedding to be done handsomely--in a
style that suits the wedding of----" He looked at Cecily--"of Lady
Tristram of Blent."

"Cecily, it's not all a joke?"

"Yes!" cried Cecily. "All a delicious delicious joke! But we're going to
be married."

After a moment's hesitation Mina came across to Harry, holding out her
hands. "I'm glad, I'm so glad," she murmured, with a little catch in her
voice.

He took her hands and pressed them; he looked at her very kindly, though
he smiled still.

"Yes, it undoes all the mistakes, doesn't it?" he said. "At least I hope
it will," he added the next moment with a laugh.

"It's really the only way to be married," declared Cecily.

"Well, for you people--for you extraordinary Tristrams--I dare say it
is," said Mina.

"You'll come?" Cecily implored.

"She couldn't keep away," mocked Harry. "She's got to see the end of
us."

"Yes, and our new beginning. Oh, what Blent's going to be, Mina! If you
don't come with us now, we won't let you stay at Merrion."

"I'm coming," said Mina. Indeed she would not have stayed away. If she
had needed further inducement the next moment supplied it.

"You're to be our only confidant," said Harry.

"Yes! Till it's all over, nobody's to know but you, Mina."

The Imp was hit on her weak spot. She was tremulously eager to go.

"Eight o'clock! Oh, can we be ready, Cecily?"

"Of course we shall be ready," said Cecily scornfully.

Harry had taken his hat from the table and came up to shake hands. He
was imperturbably calm and business-like.

"Don't run it too fine," he said. "Good-night, Madame Zabriska."

She gave him her hand and he held it for a moment. He grew a little
grave, but there was still a twinkle in his eye.

"You're a good friend," he said. "I shall come on you again, if I want
you, you know." He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it.

"I don't know that I care much about anything except you two," stammered
Mina.

He gripped her hand again. She seemed well paid. He held out his hand to
Cecily. Mina understood.

"I shall be up a little while, Cecily. Come to me before you go to bed,"
she said; and she stood in the hall, watching them as they walked out
together. There was joy in her heart--ay, and envy. The two brought
tears to her eyes and struggled which should make the