"But there is a condition attached to the prize that I forgot to mention at first. It is that you will have to wait ten years for me!"
"Ten years is an eternity!" he exclaimed remonstratingly.
"You think so?" she cried saucily. "Then I will not hold you bound to marry me."
"But I shall hold your promise, Ladybird, for I would wait twenty years for such a prize!" protested the young man gallantly.
Every one laughed except Earle Winans. He bowed coldly to his hostess and withdrew from the room.
The others followed quickly, and the last sound they heard was Ladybird's gay laughter as she cried out mockingly:
"I invite you all to my wedding with Mr. Tennant ten years hence!"
They were gone, but Aura lingered, waiting to see what the whimsical little madcap would do next; no doubt, though, she would laugh at her victims.
But Ladybird staggered to a sofa and fell upon it with her face hidden on her arm. Then a low grieved sob broke the stillness of the room that had so lately echoed her mocking laughter.