"Is it true, Kitty?"
"Yes, ma'am," Kitty answered, with a stage courtesy. "I have promised to marry him, for there seemed no other way of getting rid of him."
Hillard forced a smile. "It's a shame to change such a pretty name as yours, Miss Killigrew."
"I realize that," replied Kitty with affected sadness.
"Go to!" laughed the happy groom-elect. "Merrihew and Killigrew; there's not enough difference to matter. And this very night I shall cable to America."
"Cable to America?" echoed a tri-chorus.
"Yes; to have a parson in the custom-shed when we land. I know Kitty, and I am not going to take any chances."
This caused real laughter. La Signorina relighted the tea-lamp, and presently they were all talking together, jesting and offering suggestions. No matter how great the ache in the heart may be, there is always some temporary surcease. Hillard was a man.
They laughed quietly as they saw O'Mally gravely conducting his charge to the gates. He returned with Smith. Both were solemn-visaged.
"Well, noble concierge?" inquired La Signorina. "Why, you look as if you were the bearer of ill-tidings."