bless my soul!" repeated Mr. Triggs. "But you'll be 'appy, both
of you, I'll answer for that."

"Then I may take it that you're on my side, Mr. Triggs," said Bowen.

"On your side?" queried Mr. Triggs, not understanding.

"Yes," said Bowen, "you see Patricia believes in long engagements,
whereas I believe in short ones. I want her to marry me at once; but
she will not. She wants to wait until we are both too old to enjoy
each other's society, and she is too deaf to hear me say how charming
she is."

"If you love each other you'll never be too old to enjoy each other's
company," said Mr. Triggs seriously. "Still, I'm with you," he added,
"and I'll do all I can to persuade 'er to hurry on the day."

"Oh, Mr. Triggs!" cried Patricia reproachfully, "you have gone over to
the enemy."

"I think he has merely placed himself on the side of the angels," said
Bowen.

"And now," said Mr. Triggs, "you must both of you dine with me one
night to celebrate the event. Oh Lor'!" he exclaimed. "What will
'Ettie say?" Then turning to Bowen he added oy way of explanation,
"'Ettie's my daughter, rather stiff, she is. She looks down on Miss
Brent because she's only A. B.'s secretary. 'Ettie's got to learn a
lot about the world," he added oracularly. "My, this'll be a shock to
'er."

"I'm afraid I can't----" began Patricia.

"You're not going to say you can't both dine with me?" said Mr. Triggs,
blankly disappointed.

"I think Patricia will reconsider her decision," said Bowen quietly.
"She wouldn't be so selfish as to deny two men an evening's happiness."

"She's one of the best," said Mr. Triggs, with decision.

"Mr. Triggs, I think you and I have at least one thing in common," said
Bowen.

CHAPTER XII

A BOMBSHELL

"Good morning, Miss Brent."

Patricia was surprised at the graciousness of Mrs. Bonsor's salutation,
particularly after the episode of the Zoo on the previous afternoon.

"Good morning," she responded, and made to go upstairs to take off her
hat and coat.

"I congratulate you," proceeded Mrs. Bonsor in honeyed tones; "but I'm
just a little hurt that you did not confide in me." Mrs. Bonsor's tone
was that of a trusted friend of many years' standing.

"Confide!" repeated Patricia in a matter-of-fact tone. "Confide what,
Mrs. Bonsor?"

"Your engagement to Lord Peter Bowen. Such a surprise. You're a very
lucky girl. I hope you'll bring Lord Peter to call."

Patricia listened mechani