"Oh, let's see it again," Alice begged. "I always wanted to hear a proposal, but it is some satisfaction to see one."
Mrs. Putnam opened her hand satchel, took out the telegram, unfolded it slowly, and they all looked at it, Jimmy gulping down a great choke of joy as he read:
"Please meet me and marry at Annex at two o'clock."
His bashfulness fell from him as a garment. He took the message, saying he would keep it, so that it might not be lost. Then he piloted the two girls and Mrs. Putnam to the spot where Mary had been waiting patiently and wonderingly.
"Mary," he said boldly, without a tremor in his voice, "I want you to meet the future Mrs. Minton, and my future mother-in-law, Mrs. Putnam, and my future—what are you to me, anyhow, Alice?"
"I'm a combination flower girl, maid of honor and sixteen bridesmaids chanting the wedding march," she laughed.
"And when," Mary gasped, "when is this to be?"
"At two o'clock," Lucy answered.
"Oh, Jimmy! You wretch! You never told me a word about it. But never mind. I bought the very thing for a wedding gift this morning."
Jimmy tore himself away from the excited laughter and chatter, ran to the telephone and got Mr. Putnam on the wire.