"Show him up, please," the actress said.
CHAPTER XIX.
A STARTLING ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
"He is here!"
With this theatrical exclamation, a man pushed his way past the servant and entered the room.
"I am Mr. Marmaduke Merry," he announced.
Both Al and Miss March gazed with considerable curiosity and interest at the visitor.
He was at least seventy years of age, but was dressed in the most youthful fashion, and wore a light blond wig. Much below the medium height, shrunken, shriveled and weazened, he presented a decidedly ludicrous appearance as he stood, a huge bouquet in hand, bowing and smiling at the young actress.
Miss March could not help smiling herself; this evidently encouraged the old gentleman.
"You pardon the liberty I have taken, then?" he said. "I was sure you would."