impertinence. It was
Fanny's fault for having encouraged him. But it was best to say
nothing--to just drop him gently. An awkward pause followed during
which the widow, fatigued as she was, plied her needle more
industriously than ever, while the would-be Benedict, nicely balanced
on his chair, amused himself sending rings of smoke up to the ceiling.
Happily, at this juncture, Fanny returned from the kitchen. She had
noticed the strained silence and feared it boded ill. A glance at her
mother's face was enough. Quickly she exclaimed:

"Now, mother, you must go to bed. Mr. Gillie will excuse you, I'm
sure. It's getting real late."

Taking the hint, the shipping clerk rose to his feet. With a grin he
said:

"That's right, m'm--all work and no play don't agree with nobody.
That's my maxim. Well, good night, ladies!" As he shuffled off,
accompanied to the door by Fanny, he said in an undertone: "It's O.K.,
Fan--I put it to her good and hard--it's you for mine, all right!"

As they passed along the dark passage he profited by the opportunity
to snatch a kiss, and as they bade each other good-bye he said:

"You'd better get after mother. She was for handing me a nice, juicy
lemon, but I gave her a line of talk that fetched her. Good night,
sweetheart!"

Just as he was going out at the front door, Virginia came up.

"Good evening, Mr. Gillie," she said politely.

He laughed as he chucked her playfully under the chin.

"Mr. Gillie?" he echoed. "What's the matter with James or Jimmie? Good
night, little sis!"

With a boisterous laugh he went out into the street and shut the door.
Virginia, astounded, looked at her sister and laughed.

"What's the matter with him to-night?" she exclaimed. "Is he crazy?"
Without waiting for an answer, she added quickly: "How's mother?"

Fanny averted her face. She dreaded taking Virginia into her
confidence; somehow she could not tell her. Briefly she said:

"She's very tired--been working until now. We expected you home
earlier. She wanted to try on the dress."

Quickly removing her hat and coat which she threw on a convenient
chair, Virginia answered:

"The concert was out later than usual. Dr. Everett was there. He
brought me to the corner. How long has Mr. Gillie been here?"

"All evening," replied Fanny. Then suddenly the elder sister flung her
arms round Virginia's neck.

"Virgie!" she exclaimed, "what do you think? Mr. Gillie has asked me
to marry him."

CHAPT