know what Bob says is
law. You are as much afraid of him as--well as all the rest of the men
are of you. But I haven't told you what I am going to do. I want Bob to
take me with you both, whenever you go to the theatre."

"Oho! So that is your little plot, is it?"

"Yes! What do you think of it?"

"What do I think of it? Now I shall surprise you. I think it is an
excellent idea. I love you very much, my little sweetheart sister, and
shall be only too glad to see you have as much pleasure as your heart
longs for."

"You darling Queen!" and with an impetuous bound the younger girl was
on her knees with her arms around Emily, raining kisses upon her lips.
This effusive show of affection, Emily received with evident pleasure,
for, however dignified she could be in her bearing, leaving the
impression that she was cold, in reality she was warm-hearted to a
degree which would have surprised the gossips.

Nestling her head in the folds of her sister's soft silk gown, thus
hiding her face, Dora said timidly:

"May I tell you something Queen?"

"Ha! You mischief, what have you to confess now?"

"I have invited a man to call here," replied Dora suddenly raising her
head, and speaking with a different touch in her tones.

"Is that all?" laughed Emily, "Who is the monster? Where did you meet
him?"

"I have met him several times, at afternoon teas. The last time he asked
me if he might call--and I told him he could do so this afternoon, when
I thought you would be at home. Was it very wrong?"

"Well, Dora, I don't think it was exactly proper, but perhaps it may be
all right, since you have met him at several of our friends' houses. But
what is his name?"

"Alphonse Thauret."

"A Frenchman?"

"Yes, though he speaks English with only a very slight accent."

"I don't like Frenchmen. I know it is preposterous prejudice but I
never meet one without thinking him a possible adventurer. With their
soft sycophantic ways, they remind me of cats, and I expect them to show
their claws at any moment. However, pet, perhaps your Frenchman will not
call, and then----"

"Oh! but he will. He said he would come this afternoon. That is why I
have been so nervous. I was afraid you might be going out, and----"

"No, I will be here to protect you. Besides I expect Bob at any moment.
He said he would come about noon, and it is after that already. Perhaps
that is he now; yes, three rings.

"Oh, so Romeo and Juliet have signals! But j