n' with amazement
over this mornin's news. Is it really true? Are we to congratulate?"

"Are you referring to my engagement?" asked the Poor Relation, pausing
in the middle of the group. "Yes, of course it's true. Do you mean to
say you were such a pack of dunderheads you didn't see it coming?"

"There wasn't anything to see," protested Archie. "You've been lyin'
low, you howlin' hypocrite! I always said you were a dark horse."

The Poor Relation smiled upon him tolerantly.

"Can't you call me anything else interesting? It seems to have hurt your
feelings rather, not being in the know. I can't understand your not
smelling a rat. Where are your wits, man?"

He tapped Archie's head smartly with his knuckles, and passed on, the
smile still wrinkling his pale eyes and the forehead above them from
which the hair was steadily receding towards the top of his skull.

Certainly the gods had not been kind to him in the matter of personal
beauty, but a certain charm he possessed, notwithstanding, which
procured for him a well-grounded popularity.

"You'll let me wish you luck, anyway, Rivington," one man said.

"Rather!" echoed Archie. "I hope you'll ask me to your weddin'."

"All of you," said the Poor Relation generously. "It's going to be a
mountainous affair, and Archie shall officiate as best man."

"When is it to take place?" some one asked.

"Oh, very soon--very soon indeed; actual date not yet fixed. St.
George's, Hanover Square, of course; and afterwards at Lady Florence
Cardwell's charming mansion in Park Lane. It'll be a thrilling
performance altogether." The Poor Relation beamed impartially upon his
well-wishers. He seemed to be hugely enjoying himself.

"And whither will the happy pair betake themselves after the reception?"
questioned Archie.

"That, my dear fellow, is not yet quite decided."

"I expect you'll go for a motor tour," said Bray.

But Rivington at once shook his head.

"Nothing of that sort. Couldn't afford it. No, we shall do something
cheaper and more original than that. I've got an old caravan somewhere;
that might do. Rather a bright idea, eh, Archie?"

"Depends on the bride," said Archie, looking decidedly dubious.

"Eh? Think so? We shall have to talk it over." The Poor Relation
subsided into a chair, and stretched himself with a sigh. "There are
such a lot of little things to be considered when you begin to get
married," he murmured, as he pulled out his pipe.

"Some one want