At that instant the doorbell rang, and the maid brought in a telegram.
"It's from Stanley," murmured Mr. Clark.
"What a strange co-incidence," exclaimed the elder Miss Clark.
"What does he say, Brother?" eagerly inquired the younger Miss Clark.
"'Emily married a man named Smith,'" Mr. Clark read slowly.
"Is that all he says?"
"Every word."
"Dear boy! I suppose he thought we'd like to know as soon as he found out!" and Miss Eliza's thoughts flashed away to the nephew she loved, forgetting the seriousness of the message he had sent.
"The information seems to have come at an appropriate time," commented Mr. Clark grimly.
"It must be true, then," sighed Miss Maria; "that Mary belongs to us."