Gerald caressed his chin. "It certainly is an excellent idea," he murmured. "Major Rebb, not knowing of Miss Bird's marriage, would not suspect the substitution. Thank you, Mrs. Pelham Odin, I shall think over the matter. I go down to Devonshire next week, or rather this week."
"I know," the actress nodded; "one always does get mixed up about Sunday being the first day of the week. Well then, go down and make what arrangements you like. If you run away with the girl--and I quite think you should, if only to spite Major Rebb, whom I detest--you cannot conceal her better than in the way I suggest. It is quite a variation of Poe's 'Purloined Letter.' The scheme is so daring that it must succeed. But hush!" she made a dramatic pause, and raised her finger, "here comes Romeo and Juliet. Not a word."
Before Haskins could reply Charity entered from the dining-room with Tod at her heels, and Gerald could not help starting when he saw how wonderfully she resembled the girl shut up in the Pixy's House. She had the same figure, the same coloring, the same graceful way of walking. Only in the manner of speaking and in the personality was there a difference, and that would not be noticed by a casual spectator. Charity was more worldly, more material, and--as Gerald thought--less lovable. But then he was prejudiced in favor of the young lady whom he wished to marry: Tod's opinion would have been quite the reverse.
"How are you, Mr. Haskins?" said Charity, offering her hand calmly, "you have not been to see us for years and years."
"All the same, I have been hearing about you," replied Gerald, glancing at Tod, who nodded gaily. "I have to offer my congratulations."
"Well," said Charity slowly, and looking at Mrs. Pelham Odin, "I am not so sure of that. My mother doesn't----"
"Yes, she does," interposed the actress quickly, and took the girl's hand in her own. "Mr. Macandrew. I bestow upon you a priceless treasure," and joining the hands of the two lovers she sank back on the sofa with a tiny lace handkerchief to her eyes. It was very neatly done, and only needed limelight and applause to form an effective curtain.
"Oh," cried Tod, clasping Charity's hand convulsively. "Do you mean to say that we can marry?"
"Now that you have enough to keep the wolf from the door I do, my dear Mr. Macandrew, or shall I say James, since you are to be my adopted son-in-law?"
"Not James. Call me Tod."