"Precisely!" rejoined the lawyer, "and I now notify you that until these gentlemen have decided whether Miss Marsh is competent to enter into a marital engagement, contract, or promise, any such engagement, contract, or promise is null and void and can in no way or manner become the basis for any legal action on your part. I think that will be about all." He coughed and looked around for admiration.
"There is no promise," gasped Harry terrified; "no engagement—nothing."
"No, sir," exclaimed Mrs. Parkes, with a low curtsy. "Indeed, there isn't."
"A very sensible way to look at it," replied the lawyer with a grim smile of satisfaction, "and now, my good lady, please tell Miss Marsh that we are waiting for her."
Jimmy Marsh came forward, his manner fidgetty and nervous.
"Perhaps my niece may not be quite prepared," he stammered. "In that case you will tell her that we will wait for her."
"Quite so," chimed in Cooley. "That is—we'll wait a reasonable time."
"We'll be very gentle with her," added Jimmy considerately.
"Very well, sir," said Mrs. Parkes, now thoroughly cowed. She crossed the room and knocked at Paula's door. Receiving no answer, she knocked again. At last a voice called out:
"Who's there?"