"Upon what charge, I pray you, am I to be arrested?" inquired Mr. Lytton, sarcastically, still inclined to treat the whole matter as a very bad practical joke.
"You may read the warrant, sir," answered the officer, unfolding a document and placing it in the hands of Alden Lytton, who, with some anger and curiosity, but no anxiety, began to read it.
"What is the matter? What does this person want here?" inquired Emma, in surprise, as she entered the room, came up to the group and saw the intruder.
"He has some business with me, my love," answered her husband, controlling himself with a great effort, as he read the shameful charges embodied in the warrant commanding his arrest. Then, still speaking with forced calmness, he said to the deputy-sheriff:
"I will go with you first into the library, Mr. Bowlen, where we can talk over this matter with my friends."
And turning to the two bridegrooms he inquired:
"Can you give me a few minutes with this officer in the library?"
"Certainly," answered Mr. Lyle and Mr. Brent, in one voice.
"Ladies, you will excuse us for a few minutes?" inquired Mr. Lytton, smiling around upon the group.
"Certainly," answered two or three ladies, speaking for the whole party.