* * * * * *
"I carry a bottle of alicampane,
Here, Russian Bear, take a little of my flip-flap,
Pour it down thy tip-tap;
Rise up and fight again!"
"Well said, Mark! 'Twas splendidly given. Why for shouldn't Mark be Doctor?" asked Nathan.
"An excellent idea," declared Dennis. "I'm sure now, if the fair Queen Sabra will only put in a word——"
Mark's engagement was known. The people clapped their hands heartily and Cora blushed.
"I wish he would," said Cora.
"Your wish ought to be his law," declared Ned. "I'm sure if 'twas me——"
But Mark shook his head.
"I couldn't do it," he answered. "I would if I could; but when the time came, and the people, and the excitement of it all, I should break down, I'm sure I should."
"It's past ten o'clock," murmured Miss Masterman to her brother.