ssed to Miss Rice, and--and that's all."

Miss Greenway: "What a perfectly delightful muddle! And how shall we get
out of it with Margaret?"

Welling: "With Margaret? I don't care for her. It's you that I want to
get out of it with. And you do believe me--you do forgive me, Nelly?"

Miss Greenway: "For what?"

Welling: "For--for--I don't know what for. But I thought you'd be so
vexed."

Miss Greenway: "I shouldn't have liked you to send a letter addressed
darling to Mrs. Curwen; but Mrs. Campbell is different."

Welling: "Oh, how archangelically sensible! How divine of you to take it
in just the right way!"

[Illustration: MR. WELLING EXPLAINS.]

Miss Greenway: "Why, of course! How stupid I should be to take such a
thing in the wrong way!"

Welling: "And I'm so glad now I didn't try to lie to you about it."

Miss Greenway: "It wouldn't have been of any use. You couldn't have
carried off anything of that sort. The truth is bad enough for _you_ to
carry off. Promise me that you will always leave the other thing to
_me_."

Welling: "I will, darling; I will, indeed."

Miss Greenway: "And now we must tell Margaret, of course."

X

_MISS RICE; then MR. and MRS. CAMPBELL, and the OTHERS_

Miss Rice, rushing in upon them, and clasping Miss Greenway in a fond
embrace: "You needn't. Mrs. Campbell has told me; and oh, Nelly, I'm so
happy for you! And isn't it all the greatest mix?"

Campbell, rushing in, and wringing Welling's hand: "You needn't tell
me, either; I've been listening, and I've heard every word. I
congratulate you, my dear boy! I'd no idea she'd let you up so easily.
You'll allow yourself it isn't a very likely story."

Welling: "I know it. But--"

Miss Rice: "That's the very reason no one could have made it up."

Miss Greenway: "_He_ couldn't have made up even a likely story."

Campbell: "Congratulate you again, Welling. Do you suppose she can keep
so always?"

Mrs. Campbell, rushing in with extended hands: "Don't answer the wretch,
Mr. Welling. Of course she can with _you_. Dansons!" She gives a hand to
Miss Greenway and Welling each; the others join them, and as they circle
round the table she sings,

_"Sur le pont d'Avignon,_
_Tout le monde y danse en rond."_

THE END

* * * * *

BY WILLIAM DEAN HOWELLS.

THE COAST OF BOHEMIA. Illustrated. 12mo, Cloth, $1.50.

THE WORLD OF CHANCE. 12mo, Cloth, $1.50; Paper, 60 cents.

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