“Don’t you worry about that; I shan’t mind your friends. I’m used to all sorts of mixed company;” and with a grin at this gibe he ran off.

I went back to Helga and told her what I had heard.

“Can you trust your friend?” she asked, after a short pause.

“Oh yes, as myself.”

“Then let him come.”

“And you?”

“I have already had to explain our relationship once!” she answered, with a glance.

“But if I tell him we’re engaged——” I paused.

“Well?” with a challenging smile.

“It will have to be in earnest.”