"A thousand and one congratulations!" she said—"I knew this would come!—I was sure of it! But the credit of the first guess is due to the Mooncalf,—Julian, you know!—he's a poet, and he made up a whole romance about you and Maryllia the first day he ever saw you with her!"
"Did he?"—and Walden smiled—"Well, he was right! I am very happy,
Cicely!"
"So am I!" And the 'Goblin' clasped her hands affectionately across his arm—"You are just the very man I should have chosen for Maryllia!—the only man, in fact—I've never met anybody else worthy of her! But oh, if she were only strong and well! Do you know that Dr. Forsyth is bringing another specialist to see her this afternoon?"
"Yes, I know!"
"And there's other news for you this morning"—pursued Cicely, a broad smile lighting up her face and eyes—"Very amusing news! Lord Roxmouth is married!"
"Married!" exclaimed Walden, incredulously—"Not possible!"
"Come and see the wedding cards!"—and Cicely, laughing outright, caught his hand, and pulled him along into the morning room, where Maryllia, with her couch turned so that she could see the first glimpse of her lover as he entered the doorway, was eagerly awaiting his approach—"Maryllia, here's John! Prove to him at once please that Mrs. Fred's millions are lost to you forever!"
Maryllia laughed, and blushed sweetly too, as John bent over her and kissed her with a very expressive look of tenderness, not to say proprietorship.
"It's true, John!" she said—"Lord Roxmouth has married Aunt Emily!"
John's blue eyes lighted with sudden laughter.