"So am I, mother," said Reg, putting down the tray, and gently releasing her fingers.
Then the conversation became general. In the midst of it the postman's knock was heard, and letters for Reg and Amy were brought in, which proved to contain invitations to the annual ball given by the Brixton Bachelors.
"Oh! Reg, dear, will you go?" cried Amy.
"That rests with you."
"Then we'll accept," said Amy, decisively.
As Northmore bade them good-bye at the gate he said: "Reg, you are a man to be envied. You have a girl who is a pearl amongst diamonds."
"I know it, old fellow, and I appreciate it to the full."
On the following day acceptances were sent to the invitation of the Bachelors, and little did that happy circle dream that this ball, about which they laughed and joked, would be the means of blighting that happy home for ever.
[A] Pronounced "mi-mi."