"Well then, three? Do agree to three."
"We'll think about three. Still miserable, Janie?"
"Yes, still—rather. Now you must go. Fancy if anybody came!"
"All right, I'll go. But, I say, you might just drop a hint to the Major."
"I can't send him another message that I'm—that I've done it again!"
She drew a little away from him. Bob's hearty laugh rang out; his latent sense of humor was touched at the idea of this second communication to the Major. For a moment Janie looked angry, for a moment deeply hurt. Bob laughed still. There was nothing for it but to join in. Her own laugh rang out gayly as he caught her in his arms again and kissed her.
"Oh, if anybody knew!" sighed Janie.
But Bob was full of triumph. The task was done, the spoke was in the wheel. There was an end of the Major as well as of Harry—and an end to his own long and not very hopeful waiting. He kissed his love again.
There was a sudden end to the scene too—startling and sudden. The door of the room opened abruptly, and in the doorway stood Mrs Iver. Little need to dilate on the situation as it appeared to Mrs Iver! Had she known the truth, the thing was bad enough. But she knew nothing of Harry Tristram's letter. After a moment of consternation Janie ran to her, crying,