“I shall send him a wire every day until he does come,” said Barnes.
“And when he does come, what will Carl say?” demanded Aunt Philomela.
Barnes smiled.
“I don’t know,” he answered. “I fear he will be somewhat embarrassed.”
Miss Van Patten looked troubled. Here was another uncomfortable situation to add to the long list of which Barnes was either the direct or indirect cause. She looked at him with what he interpreted as an appeal.
“Perhaps that isn’t a very important matter anyway,” he suggested.
“Important,” snapped Aunt Philomela, “I should call it very important.”
“How?” inquired Barnes.
“Because my niece and Mr. Langdon are engaged,” she exploded.