"Oh, I can keep a secret. My congratulations. I hope this one turns out better than the other one did," Peters effused.
Margaret sighed. The judge shuddered. It was the fourth time since they were married that he had been reminded that he was number two.
"If you don't mind," he ordered, severely, "we won't discuss that question."
Margaret, anxious to prevent further repartee on the subject, went up-stairs, calling back, "When Mrs. Jones comes down, will you tell her I will be back in five minutes?"
When she had disappeared Townsend ordered Peters to get up a special supper for four, suggesting that the champagne he had brought with him, and which was in the basket on the floor, be put on ice. Peters disappeared to do his duty, but Townsend followed close behind him, desirous of directing the spreading of a good wedding supper for Mrs. Townsend, Mrs. Jones, and Millie.
He had been gone but a few minutes when Mrs. Jones came down the stairs. She looked around, expecting to find Margaret Davis awaiting her. Not seeing her, she returned to the floor above, when Mr. and Mrs. Harper came bursting in.
"How do you do? Don't you remember us?" Harper called out, as he held forth a welcoming hand.
"Surely!" cried Mrs. Jones. She came quickly down the stairs and shook hands with Harper, kissing his pretty wife.
"We just brought your husband and a friend of his over from Reno," said Harper.
"Oh, where are they?" Mrs. Jones asked, excitedly. She had been waiting all afternoon for Bill and was beginning to fear lest he had decided not to return home.