"Gentlemen and Miss Gaines," said Mr. Jelnik, in a ringing and vibrant voice, "permit me to inform you that I also have asked Miss Smith to marry me. And she has done me the honor to accept me."
CHAPTER XVIII
THE GREATEST GIFT
The Author threw his short cape backward, laid one hand upon the hilt of his sword, doffed his cap, and made a sweeping courtesy.
"Prettily played, Mr. Jelnik!" said he, admiringly. "May one be permitted to congratulate you, upon your indubitably dramatic instinct?"
"All things are permitted; but not all things are expedient," Mr. Jelnik replied evenly.
"Oh, we know who can quote scripture!" cried The Author; and looked longingly at the other's naked throat.
At which point Doctor Geddes, coming as it were out of a trance, took the situation in hand.
"Have done with this nonsense!" he ordered sharply. "Alicia, get Sophy home; she looks more dead than alive. Jelnik, your declaration puts a new complexion on this affair; but let me tell you flatly I don't like your method of announcing engagements."