"Certainly not. Jim what are you doing?"
"Leading you into the world," said Herrick laughing. Bess laughed also and blushed when Jim led her before the three astonished people who looked at them in amazement. "Lady and gentlemen," said Dr. Jim, "do you know who this is?"
"Bess I suppose," said the stupid brother.
"And more than that," cried Ida rising to take her sister in her arms, "oh! Bess darling, I am so glad."
"Hurrah!" cried Stephen and pinched Frank's arm.
That youth was still dense, although the truth was staring him in the face. He looked at the two girls almost weeping with pleasure in one another's arms; at the laughing faces of Herrick and Stephen. Still he did not understand, not having yet experienced the love of woman.
"You are stupid Frank," cried Ida, "can't you see?"
"Can't you see," said Herrick gripping Frank's arm. "What a blind brother-in-law I shall have."
"Oh!" Frank's eyes opened wide. "Are you to marry Bess?" Herrick nodded. "And Stephen takes Ida?" the engaged couple laughed. "Well," said Frank, "that is two of them gone, and who is to look after Biffstead?"
"Flo of course," said Stephen.