"There is, above all, happiness! If we have no children of our own, Lucy, we shall have our grandchildren."
"No!" she cried, rising, and shaking her head. "I have been too persuasive. Marjolaine's love has been nipped in the bud. And besides, Jack has run away from her."
"Not he, if I know the young rascal!" He took both her hands in his. "You tell me Marjolaine is well and happy?"
"Yes; but hysterical. You saw for yourself, just now."
"Is she a flighty coquette?"
"Certainly not!"
"Then I 'll bet you a new hat—No! a diamond tiara!—she knows where Jack is, and there 's an understanding between them!"
"Oh!" exclaimed Madame, as the possibility of this idea struck her.
"Lucy!" cried Lord Otford, drawing her to him, "both couples shall be married on the same day!"
You have no idea how pretty Madame looked in her confusion and happiness. You have no idea how young and handsome Lord Otford looked in his victory. Love had set the clock back for both of them—and they were young man and young maid again.