at him in
surprise.

"Oh! where are my manners?" cried Patricia as she introduced the two
men.

Mr. Triggs's eyes bulged at the mention of Bowen's title.

"Now, Mr. Triggs," said Bowen, "won't you add the weight of your
persuasion to mine, and persuade Miss Brent that the only thing to do
is for you both to dine with me and save me from boredom?"

"Well, it was to 'ave been my treat," said Mr. Triggs, not quite sure
of his ground.

"But you can afford to be generous. Can't you share her with me, just
for this evening?"

Mr. Triggs beamed and turned questioningly to Patricia, who, seeing
that if she declined it would be a real disappointment to him, said:

"Well, I suppose we must under the circumstances."

"You're not very gracious, Patricia, are you?" said Bowen comically.

Patricia laughed. "Well, come along, I'm starving," she said.

Many heads were turned to look at the curious trio, headed by the
obsequious maitre d'hotel, as they made their way towards Bowen's table.

"I wonder what 'Ettie would say," whispered Mr. Triggs to Patricia, "me
dining with a lord, and 'im being a pal of yours, too."

Patricia smiled. She was wondering what trick Fate would play her next.

The meal was a gay one. Bowen and Mr. Triggs immediately became
friends and pledged each other in champagne.

Mr. Triggs told of their visit to the Zoo and of the anniversary it
celebrated.

"Then you are a believer in marriage, Mr. Triggs," said Bowen.

"A believer in it! I should just think I am," said Mr. Triggs. "I
wish she'd get married," he added, nodding his head in the direction of
Patricia.

"She's going to," said Bowen quietly.

Mr. Triggs sat up as if someone had hit him in the small of the back.

"Going to," he cried. "Who's the man?"

"You have just pledged him in Moet and Chandon," replied Bowen quietly.

"You going to marry 'er?" Unconsciously Mr. Triggs raised his voice in
his surprise, and several people at adjacent tables turned and looked
at the trio.

"Hush! Mr. Triggs," said Patricia, feeling her cheeks burn. Bowen
merely smiled.

"Well I _am_ glad," said Mr. Triggs heartily, and seizing Bowen's hand
he shook it cordially. "God bless my soul!" he added, "and you never
told me." He turned reproachful eyes upon Patricia.

"It--it----" she began.

"You see, it's only just been arranged," said Bowen.

Patricia flashed him a grateful look, he seemed always to be coming to
her rescue.

"God