could almost believe
that he was actually at dinner.

"Are you seated?" asked the charming voice at his side.

"Yes," a little wonderingly, as his was the only seat visibly occupied.

"I am so glad that this silly ceremony is over. By the way, where are
you?"

Paul would have liked to answer, "Lord only knows!" but he reflected
that it might not sound polite. "Where am I?" he feebly repeated.

"Yes; where are you dining?"

It seemed a cool question under the circumstances, but he answered
promptly,--

"With you."

"Of course," said the charming voice; "but where are you eating your
dinner?"

Considering that he was not eating anything, Paul thought this cooler
still. But he answered briefly, "In Upshire."

"Oh! At your uncle's?"

"No," said Paul bluntly; "in the next house."

"Why, that's Sir William's--our host's--and he and his family are here
in London. You are joking."

"Listen!" said Paul desperately. Then in a voice unconsciously lowered
he hurriedly told her where he was--how he came there--the empty
house--the viewless company! To his surprise the only response was a
musical little laugh. But the next moment her voice rose higher with an
unmistakable concern in it, apparently addressing their invisible host.

"Oh, Sir William, only think how dreadful. Here's poor Mr. Bunker, alone
in an empty house, which he has mistaken for his uncle's--and without
any dinner!"

"Really; dear, dear! How provoking! But how does he happen to be WITH
US? James, how is this?"

"If you please, Sir William," said a servant's respectful voice,
"Widdlestone is in the circuit and is switched on with the others. We
heard that a gentleman's luggage had arrived at Widdlestone, and we
telegraphed for the rooms to be made ready, thinking we'd have her
ladyship's orders later."

A single gleam of intelligence flashed upon Paul. His luggage--yes, had
been sent from the station to the wrong house, and he had unwittingly
followed. But these voices! whence did they come? And where was the
actual dinner at which his host was presiding? It clearly was not at
this empty table.

"See that he has everything he wants at once," said Sir William; "there
must be some one there." Then his voice turned in the direction of
Paul again, and he said laughingly, "Possess your soul and appetite in
patience for a moment, Mr. Bunker; you will be only a course behind us.
But we are lucky in having your company--even at your own discomfort."