e flowering locust trees that formed a long, green,
fragrant arch above their heads, and so on to the gray old house. In a
very few moments the door was opened and all the household servants
appeared to welcome the returning party. Most of them looked more
frightened than pleased; but when anxious glances toward the group
leaving the carriage assured them that the family "Boodlejock" was not
present, they seemed relieved and delighted to see the others.

With the easy, respectful familiarity of long and faithful service, the
negro men and women crowded around the entering party with loving
greetings.

The news of the Iron King's marriage was told by Sylvan. Had a bombshell
fallen and exploded among the servants, they could not have been more
shocked. There was a simultaneous exclamation of surprise and dismay,
and then total silence.

At the end of the third day all was ready for the reception of Mr. and
Mrs. Rockharrt.

The next day was the first of July. As soon as Mr. Clarence reached his
private office at the works he found a telegram waiting him. He opened
it, and read the following:

CAPON SPRINGS, July 1, 18--

Shall reach North End by the 6 p.m. train. Send the carriage to
meet that train. Shall go directly to Rockhold. Order dinner there
for 8 p.m.

AARON ROCKHARRT.

Mr. Clarence put a boy on horseback and sent him on to Cora, with this
message inclosed in a note from himself. And then he gave his attention
to the duties of his office. He was still busy at his desk when Mr.
Fabian strolled in.

"Well, old man, good morning. I return to duty to-day, because it is the
first of the month, you know."

"And also the first of the financial year. There has been so much to do
within the last few days, I am glad you have returned to your post. I
would like the pater to find all right when he comes to inspect. By the
way, I have just got a telegram from him. I have just sent it off to
Cora, so that she may know when to send the carriage, and for what hour
to order dinner. You know it would never do to have anything 'gang
aglee' in which the pater is interested."

"No. Well, you and I must go to meet him. We must not fail in any
attention to the old gentleman."

"Of course not. Oh! what will the people say when they hear the news? I
do not think that the slightest rumor of the mad marriage has got out I
know that I have not breathed it."

"Nor I. But of course it will be generally kno