When she had finished directing the envelopes she handed them over to Ran, saying:
“The letter box is directly on your way home; will you mind dropping them in?”
“I will take charge of them with pleasure,” said Ran, and as the hour was late he arose, said good-night and left the house.
But Ran did not drop the notes in a letter box. He walked over to Sixth Avenue, hailed a car, boarded it and rode down as far as that car would take him, then got out and walked to Markiss’; for he was anxious that his friends should get their bids as soon as possible. He found Mike, Longman, and Dandy all sitting smoking in the grimy back parlor behind Markiss’ bar.
He entered and sat down among them. There happened to be no other guests in the room.
“Well, boys, did you think I had forgotten you?” inquired Ran, really remorseful for not having sought them out before.
“If we did we excused you, under the circumstances,” replied Longman, speaking for the rest.
“I suppose Mike has told you that I am to marry his sister on Saturday morning—that is, the day after to-morrow?”
“Oh, ay! trust Mike for that!” cried old Dandy with a little giggle.
“Well, I have come to-night to bring you invitations to be present at the ceremony in the church and afterward at the breakfast at the house. And, boys, you must be sure to come.”