The lovers had no time to talk at the hotel, as Gerald had wired at once to Tod, and they were expected in London. But in the train--Haskins secured a first-class carriage to themselves--they had a long conversation, and learned to know one another even better, if that were possible. And in spite of her danger Mavis was happy in the company of her adored Fairy Prince. As to Gerald, he could only worship her, so gentle and innocent and lovely did she seem.
On arriving in London they drove--with Mavis again veiled--to Tod's Chancery Lane office, and were shown into the inner room. Here were Tod and Mrs. Pelham Odin, and Charity--also veiled. The two girls looked at one another and unveiled as by impulse. Then----
"As in a looking-glass!" cried Mrs. Pelham Odin. "Wonderful, marvelous. Here indeed is material for a new Comedy of Errors."
[CHAPTER XVIII.]
THE FIRST MARRIAGE.
Mrs. Pelham Odin might well exclaim. Gerald and Tod were silent from sheer amazement, even though the first might have expected to see one girl the double of the other. In that box of an office, and in the somewhat dim light that filtered through the dingy window, Mavis and Charity appeared to be exactly alike. Miss Bird was also plainly dressed in a dark frock, so as not to attract attention from Tod's clerks, and this, along with the thrown-back veils, completed the resemblance. The two girls had similar eyes and hair, and complexion and cast of face, and even Mrs. Pelham Odin found it difficult to distinguish one from the other, long as she had known her adopted daughter.
"It is like a dream," she declared--"Girofla-Girofle in real life. Oh, that I were in management again: what a chance for a play, a serious play, which has to do with twins."
"What we are engaged in is serious enough," said Gerald, sitting down. "My dear Mavis, this is Mrs. Pelham Odin, who is going to take charge of you until we can prove your innocence."
Mavis shook hands with the old actress. "And you don't believe that I am guilty?" she asked, in a whisper.
For answer Mrs. Pelham Odin embraced and kissed her. "My dear," she said amiably, "truth looks out of your eyes."