the King George Fourth smile and his
coldest stare; "we caught you fairly in the midst of it, didn't we, Mr.
Brockway? Do you still assert that we shall dine at our own table this
evening?"

The effect of Mr. Vennor's dramatic little surprise was varied and not
altogether as he had prefigured. As for the person most deeply
concerned, no one was ever less ashamed of a craftsman's insignia than
was Brockway; but when he saw that the President had permitted him to do
a service for the sole purpose of making him appear ridiculous, his
heart was hot in just proportion to the magnitude of the affront.

As for Gertrude, she could have wept with pity and indignation. This was
the "young mechanic" her father had found and used, only to make him a
laughing-stock! The light of a sudden purpose flashed in the steady gray
eyes, and she spoke quickly, before Brockway could reply to her father's
gibe.

"Why, Mr. Brockway! where did you come from? It really seems that you
are fated to be our good angel. Have you actually got it repaired?" The
winsome face disappeared from the portway, and before Brockway could
open his lips she was standing beside him. "Show me what was the matter
with it," she said.

He obeyed, with proper verbal circumstance, gaining a little
self-possession with every added phrase. Gertrude led him on, laughing
and chatting and dragging the others into the rescue until Brockway
quite forgot that he was supposed to be a laughing-stock for gods and
men.

"I'm very glad to meet you, I'm sure," he said, bowing gravely to the
Misses Beaswicke, when Gertrude had actually gone the length of
introducing him; "Mr. Fleetwell, I've heard of you--and that's probably
more than you can say of me. Mr. Vennor, I think you may safely count
upon having your dinner in the Naught-fifty."

"Yes, thanks to you," said Gertrude, quickly. "Have you--will your other
engagements let you join us?"

Brockway was of four different minds in as many seconds. Here was a
chance to defeat Mr. Vennor at his own game; and love added its word.
But he could not consent to break unwelcome bread, and was about to
excuse himself when the President, in answer to an imperative signal
flying in Gertrude's eyes, seconded the invitation.

"Yes, come in and join us, Mr. Brockway; we shall be glad to have you,
I'm sure." The stony stare which accompanied the words was anything but
hospitable, but the President felt that he had done his whole duty and
so