His own eyes took this opportunity to cast another sly look at the tell-tale goblet, hoping to light upon some method of spiriting it away.
"Mr. McElroy," she suddenly exclaimed, "I have been talking to brother John, and have told him my views about you!"
Brent's mouth opened a moment in surprise and then he frankly began to laugh.
"I'm glad I wasn't in hearing distance!"
"You might have heard to your advantage. I told him that I considered marriage to some determined girl your only chance of reformation."
"Marriage!" he almost rose out of his chair. "Heavens, Miss Liz! I've got an alarm clock that does that sort of thing!"
"Alarm clock?" she gasped. "Pray, what do you suppose marriage is?"
"I've never tried to suppose! I don't want to suppose"
She arose with dignity and went toward the door. There was another minute, while he stood making humble apologies to which she seemed indifferent, and then her voice came like the crackling of dry twigs. "I bid you good morning, Mr. McElroy!"