:

"I'm glad to see you've gotten a firm grip on yourself so soon. That
will make it ever so much nicer for everybody concerned. Mother and
father are fearfully embarrassed."

"I shall endeavor to relieve them of their embarrassment the instant I
meet them."

"Here they come now," Kay warned, and glanced at him appealingly.

Her mother entered first, followed by the potato baron, with Parker
bringing up the rear. Mrs. Parker's handsome face was suffused with
confusion, and, from the hesitant manner in which she entered, Farrel
realized she was facing an ordeal.

"Mother, this is Mr. Miguel Farrel," Kay announced.

"You are welcome to my poor house, Mrs. Parker," Farrel informed her,
gravely, as he crossed the room and bent over her hand for a moment,
releasing it to grasp the reluctant hand of her husband. "A double
welcome, sir," he said, addressing Kay's father, who mumbled something in
reply and introduced him to the potato baron, who bowed ceremoniously.

"Won't you please be seated?" Farrel pleaded. He gently steered Kay's
mother to the seat on his right, and tucked her chair in under her, while
Parker performed a similar service for his daughter. With the assurance
of one whose right to do was unquestioned, Farrel took his seat at the
head of the table and reached for the little silver call-bell beside his
plate, while Parker took an unaccustomed seat opposite the potato baron.

"Considering the distressing circumstances under which I arrived," Farrel
observed, addressing himself to Mrs. Parker, and then, with a glance,
including the rest of the company, "I find myself rather happy in the
possession of unexpected company. The situation is delightfully
unique--don't you think so, Mrs. Parker?"

"It isn't the least bit delightful, Mr. Farrel," the lady declared
frankly and forcibly; "but it's dear of you to be so nice about it."

Mr. Parker's momentary embarrassment had passed, and with the feeling
that his silence was a trifle disconcerting, he rallied to meet Miguel
Farrel's attempt at gaiety.

"Well, Mr. Farrel, we find ourselves in a unique position, as you say.
Kay informs me, however, that you are conversant with the circumstances
that have conspired to make us your guests."

"Pray do not mention it. Under the peculiar conditions existing, I quite
realize that you followed the only logical and sensible course."

Mrs. Parker heaved a small sigh of relief and gazed upon Farrel with new
int