Huntington put his arm around Merry's waist and drew her closer to him.
"It stands!" he replied with smiling defiance. "To Marian—little Marian—God bless her!"
"You rascal! You slipped it over on me!"
"Well, good-bye, people!" Edith interrupted.
"Stay for supper," Mrs. Thatcher urged.
"No; here it is five o'clock and the wedding breakfast hasn't been served yet. We're off!"
"It is pitiful to see you kidnapped like this," Marian teased her.
"Oh, well!" she looked slyly up into her husband's face. "Connie's not a bad sort as men go, and I'm game to take a chance."
"Isn't she the best ever?" Cosden cried proudly. "I'm strong for the Benedicts and the Benedictines! Hurry up, Monty,—go and do likewise!"
They were off like a whirlwind, then all returned to Hamlen on the piazza. The two boys had stayed with him while the farewells were spoken at the door. Billy felt a bond of sympathy at last, for he too had suffered from the perfidy of woman! Philip was genuinely fond of Hamlen, and the older man clung to his friendship with even greater tenacity since this return to his normal condition.