"Well, then, I'm sorry you didn't," quoth Cora, "for from motives of delicacy I really don't care to inquire of others, and I have just curiosity enough to wish to know how she looked."
"Sorry I can't enlighten you, Co. Get it all out of the old fellow after the joyful event."
"Umph! Well, that business prospers, mon brave. We shall win, I think, as usual."
"Yes; and never easier, Co."
"Well, I don't anticipate much trouble in landing our fish. But come along, Lucian, this romantic dell might make you forget luncheon; it can't have that effect on me."
Cora gathered her draperies about her, and prepared to quit the little grove, her companion following half reluctantly.
CHAPTER IX.
GONE!
Hours that seemed days; days that seemed years; weeks that seemed centuries; yet they all passed, and Madeline Payne scarce knew, when they were actually gone, that they were not all a dream.