All eyes turned on the writer of the letter. He was fast asleep in his chair, smiling like a child.
'Briscoe,' said Lee, you recognised and submitted to the deus ex machina at once. I would have fought longer, and might yet have conquered. I am sorry the conclusion is so inartistic, so improbable. There is nothing more absurd than reality. Clacher, my fine fellow, you played a bold game; as the attempt of a mad rascal it was very fair. What a lot of mad people there are! How small the world is! Ah!' he cried, as Frank and Muriel entered, 'my good lovers! I believe you are even now thanking me for my opposition.'
'Who is this young gentleman?' asked Mr. Chartres.
'Oh! I found him at the north wall; I knew he would be there,' said Muriel, radiant, and scarcely knowing what she said.
'Do you frequently find young gentlemen and bring them here in this way?'
'Oh, papa! His name is Frank Hay, and we are going to be married.'
'I have never seen your like, Muriel,' said Lee, leaving the room.
Briscoe followed him, bestowing a surly nod on Dempster. But
Caroline before she went timidly kissed the hand of the injured
man.