'It would be difficult to explain,' said Conroy.
'Then you'd better not be at my wedding,' Miss Henschil laughed.
'After all we've gone through, too. But I suppose you ought to leave me out. Is the day fixed?' he cried.
'Twenty-second of September--in spite of both his sisters. I can risk it now.' Her face was glorious as she flushed.
'My dear chap!' He shook hands unreservedly, and she gave back his grip without flinching. 'I can't tell you how pleased I am!'
'Gracious Heavens!' said Nurse Blaber, in a new voice. 'Oh, I beg your pardon. I forgot I wasn't paid to be surprised.'
'What at? Oh, I see!' Miss Henschil explained to Conroy. 'She expected you were going to kiss me, or I was going to kiss you, or something.'
'After all you've gone through, as Mr. Conroy said,'
'But I couldn't, could you?' said Miss Henschil, with a disgust as frank as that on Conroy's face. 'It would be horrible--horrible. And yet, of course, you're wonderfully handsome. How d'you account for it, Nursey?'
Nurse Blaber shook her head. 'I was hired to cure you of a habit, dear. When you're cured I shall go on to the next case--that senile-decay one at Bourne-mouth I told you about.'