o be of the party. After all, Barker was the companion whom
the Duke wanted. He knew nothing about Claudius, but he had met enough
men of all types of eccentricity not to be much surprised at him, and as
the Doctor was evidently a gentleman, there was no objection. Therefore,
as soon as the Duke knew of Margaret's determination, he sallied forth,
armed with her note, to find Mr. Barker. It was late, but the American
was nocturnal in his habits, and was discovered by his friend in a huge
cloud of tobacco smoke, examining his nails with that deep interest
which in some persons betokens thought.

"It's all right," said the Duke; "she will go."

"You don't mean it?" said Barker, taking his legs off the sofa and
wrinkling his face.

"There you are. Note. Formal acceptance, and all the rest of it." And he
handed Margaret's letter to Barker.

"Well, that is pretty smart practice," remarked the latter; "I expected
you would have difficulties."

"Said she would take some days to make up her mind. She wrote this the
same evening I called, I am sure. Just like a woman."

"Well, I think it's deuced lucky, anyhow," said Barker. "Did you tell
her who was going?"

"I told her about my sister. I have not mentioned you or your friend
yet. Of course I will do that as soon as I am sure of you both."

"Well," said Barker, "if you don't mind, perhaps you might write a note
to the Doctor. He might be shy of accepting an invitation by word of
mouth. Do you mind?"

"Not in the least," said the Englishman; "give me a rag of paper and a
quill, and I'll do it now."

And he accordingly did it, and directed the invitation to Claudius,
Phil.D., and Barker pushed it into the crack of the door leading to the
apartment where the Doctor was sleeping, lest it should be forgotten.

The next morning Claudius appeared with the Duke's note in his hand.

"What does this mean?" he asked. "I hardly know him at all, and here he
asks me to cross the Atlantic in his yacht. I wish you would explain."

"Keep your hair on, my young friend," replied Mr. Barker jocosely. "He
has asked you and me because his party would not be complete without
us."

"And who are 'the party'?"

"Oh, very small. Principally his sister, I believe. Hold on though, Miss
Skeat is going."

"Miss Skeat?" Claudius anticipated some chaff from his friend, and knit
his brows a little.

"Yes; Miss Skeat and the Countess; or, perhaps I should say the Countess
and Miss Skeat."