Wallace straightened, his face suddenly flushing.
"Dear me, aren't we concerned about Mr. Farvel's breakfast!" exclaimed
Mrs. Balcome, mockingly.
"We are."
"But not a word for this poor boy. One would think you were going to marry Farvel instead of Wallace."
"But—am I going to marry Wallace?"
Wallace swayed toward her. "Oh, you can't—you can't turn me down!"
"Ah, Wallace!" she said sadly.
"Mrs. Balcome, you don't think I deserve this?"
"Now don't be hasty, Hattie," advised her mother. "Everything's ready.
Our friends are coming. Are you going to send them away?"
"Messages have gone—to tell everyone not to come."