"Because," said Mr. Waddington simply, "I expressed a wish that it should take place in New York."
"What have you got to do with it?"
"I am D, C's husband."
"Oh, the fellow who could fill a tank with water in six hours fifteen minutes while C was filling another in five hours, forty-five? Pleased to meet you."
"I am now strongly in favour of the Hempstead idea," said Mr. Waddington. "In New York it might be difficult to introduce you into the house, whereas down at Hempstead you can remain concealed in the garden till the suitable moment arrives. Down at Hempstead the presents will be on view in the dining-room, which has French windows opening on to a lawn flanked with shrubberies."
"Easy!"
"Just what I thought. I will, therefore, make a point to-night of insisting that the wedding take place in New York, and the thing will be definitely settled."
Fanny eyed him reflectively.
"It all seems kind of funny to me. If you're D and you're married to C and C is A's stepmother, you must be A's father. What do you want to go stealing your daughter's necklace for?"
"Say, listen," said Mr. Waddington urgently, "the first thing you've got to get into your head is that you're not to ask questions."