Then he was gone; and Lettice saw him striding off, at "double-quick-march" in the direction of the Valentines' house, that house which they had only reentered two days before. He would find things in some confusion; but what did that matter.
"I'm so glad I could say a word. If only he will come to the point!" murmured Lettice.
Three hours later, a note was left at the door, and Lettice read:
"DEAR LETTICE,—You must be the first to hear. Mr. Kelly has asked me to be his wife, and I have consented. He says it is your doing. Thanks, dear little 'outside sister.'—
"Ever your loving,
"PRUE."
"Lettice, I say, here's a telegram for you."
Felix had overtaken the telegraph boy at the door, on arrival at the close of his day's work. Lettice looked up with dreamy eyes.
"A what! O Felix, I have such news! Guess—good news! What do you think is going to happen?"
"Can't tell."
"Mr. Kelly and Prue are engaged to be married."
"Time they should, if they ever mean to do it. I thought they would have dangled on to the end of the chapter. When did he speak?"