dition_
_Allowed in Callao_!'

said Merton.

'But if there is any uncertainty--and there _may_ be,' said Miss Martin,
'I'll telegraph, "Will report."'

* * * * *

Merton passed a miserable week of suspense and perplexity of mind. Never
had he been so imprudent; he felt sure of that, and it was the only thing
of which he did feel sure. The newspapers contained bulletins of an
epidemic of smallpox at Bulcester. How would that work into the plot?
Then the high animal spirits and daring fancy of Miss Martin might carry
her into undreamed-of adventures.

'But they won't let her have even a glass of champagne,' reflected
Merton. 'One glass makes her reckless.'

It was with a trembling hand that Merton, about ten on the Monday
morning, took the telegraphic envelope of Fate.

'I can't face it,' he said to Logan. 'Read the message to me.' Merton
was unmanned!

Logan carelessly opened the envelope and read:

'_Happy ending_, _but awfully disappointed. Will call at one o'clock_.'

'Oh, thanks to all gracious Powers,' said Merton falling limply on to a
sofa. 'Ring, Logan, and order a small whisky-and-soda.'

'I won't,' said Logan. 'Horrid bad habit. Would you like me to send out
for smelling-salts? Be a man, Merton! Pull yourself together!'

'You don't know that awful girl,' said Merton, slowly recovering self-
control. 'However, as she is disappointed though the ending is happy,
her infernal plan must have been miscarried, whatever it was. It _must_
be all right, though I sha'n't be quite happy till I see her. I am no
coward, Logan' (and Merton was later to prove that he possessed coolness
and audacity in no common measure), 'but it is the awful sense of
responsibility. She is quite capable of getting us into the newspapers.'

'You funk being laughed at,' said Logan.

Merton lay on the sofa, smoking too many cigarettes, till, punctually at
one o'clock, a peal at the bell announced the arrival of Miss Martin. She
entered, radiant, smiling, and in her costume of innocence she looked
like a sylph.

'It is all right--they are engaged, with Mr. Warren's full approval,' she
exclaimed.

'Were we on the stage, I should embrace you!' exclaimed Merton
rapturously.

'We are not on the stage,' replied Miss Martin demurely. 'And _I_ have
no occasion to congratulate myself. My plot did not come off; never had
a look in. Do you want to be vaccinated? If so, shake hands,' and Miss
Martin extended her