"My dear I wont starve for any amount of grand ladies" replied Mr. Winston heartily.
Helen smiled languidly and began to arrange the flower stand by the window.
At 4 o'clock precisely a dainty little dog cart drew up at Beach Dale. Helen, peeping from behind the drawing room curtains, saw, first a tall man dressed in a blue suit and black hat and gloves, jump down from the cart and hold out his hand to a young lady who tripped lightly down and tossed a silver coin to the coachman.
The next moment the drawing room door was flung open and Marshland's clear voice was heard announcing, "Miss Lincarrol—Mr. Palsey."
"Oh dear Gladys, I am so delighted to see you" cried Helen in her sweetest tones.
"And I am equally glad to meet you" cried Gladys, "and allow me to introduce my future husband James Palsey."
"How do you do" said Mr. Palsey gravely as he held out his well gloved hand.
At that minute Mr. Winston entered the room dressed in his best things.
"Well Gladys my dear and how are you he cried cheerfully "what a big person you are to be sure, quite half a head taller than Helen I declare."
Gladys laughed affectedly and held out her small hand; she then introduced Mr. Palsey, who, during all this merriment had stood as grave as a judge.