be quite a departure from the mode of
procedure ordinarily laid down for newly engaged and newly wedded
couples; but really, come to think it over, I am inclined to think that
Miss Underwood's proposition will save us an immense amount of boredom
which is the usual concomitant of engagements and honeymoons. That sort
of thing, you know," he added, his lip curling just perceptibly, "is apt
to get a little monotonous after a while."

Kate, watching him from under level brows, saw the slight sneer and
inwardly rejoiced at the stand she had taken.

"Well," said Mr. Underwood, resignedly, "fix it up between you any way
to suit yourselves; but for heaven's sake, don't do anything to cause
comment or remarks!"

"Papa, you can depend on me not to make myself conspicuous in any way,"
Kate replied, with dignity. "What I have said to-night was said simply
to let you and Mr. Walcott know just where I stand, and just what you
may, and may not, expect of me; but this is only between us three, and
you can rest assured that I shall never wear my heart upon my sleeve or
take the public into my confidence regarding my home life."

"I think myself you need have no fear on that score, Mr. Underwood,"
Walcott remarked, with a smile of amusement; "I believe Miss Underwood
is entirely capable of carrying out to perfection any role she may
assume, and if she chooses to take the part of leading lady in the
little comedy of 'The Model Husband and Wife, I shall be only too
delighted to render her any assistance within my power."

As Walcott bade Kate good-night at a late hour he inquired, "What do you
think of the little comedy I suggested to-night for our future line of
action? Does it meet with your approval?"

She was quick to catch the significance of the question, and, looking
him straight in the eyes, she replied, calmly,--

"It will answer as well as any, I suppose; but it has in it more of the
elements of tragedy than of comedy."

_Chapter XXI_

TWO CRIMES BY THE SAME HAND

At Walcott's request the date of the wedding was set early in January,
he having announced that business would call him to the South the first
week in December for about a month, and that he wished the wedding to
take place immediately upon his return.

The announcement of the engagement and speedily approaching marriage of
the daughter of D. K. Underwood to his junior partner caused a ripple of
excitement throughout the social circles of Ophir an