ish us all with tobacco for several months,
disappeared in sickening circumstances only two days ago. The cigar
and the cigarette have revived some painful memories."

Our hostess opened and closed her mouth before replying.

Then--

"What," she said faintly, "what was your--er--cherished friend like?"

Berry started to his feet.

"Both hinges gone," he shouted, "tied up with rope--reeking of
pepper----"

Mrs. Waterbrook interrupted him with a shriek.

"He's outside my bedroom," she wailed. "By the side of the tall-boy.
I suppose it's too much to hope that you've got my tea."

"Tea?" we screamed.

"Tea," piped our hostess. "Beautiful China tea. Thirty-five pounds of
it. Under the camisoles."

Berry raised his eyes to heaven.

"Modesty forbade us," he said, "to go further than the b-b-b-bust
b-b-b-bodices."

* * * * *

It was in the midst of our rejoicing that Piers set foot on the
verandah. For a moment he stood staring, pardonably bewildered, at the
two smugglers, who were saluting one another respectively with a
profound curtsey and the most elaborate of bows. Then he pulled open
the great window and stepped hesitatingly into the room.

As he did so, the door was flung open, and a man-servant appeared.

"Mees Mansel," he announced.

Nobby entered anyhow, pleasedly lugging Jill into the room.

"Why, Jill!" cried Daphne. "My dear.... Mrs. Waterbrook, let me
introduce----"

"_But that's not Miss Mansel!_"

It was Piers' voice.

With one accord we turned, staring....

With arm outstretched, the boy was pointing at Jill.

For a moment nobody moved.

Then Piers sprang forward and caught Jill's hands in his.

"Jill!" he panted. "Jill, you're not Miss Mansel?"

"Yes, I am," said Jill steadily.

"But I thought you were married to Boy. I thought--I thought Adele was
Miss Mansel."

"Oh, Piers," said Jill reproachfully. "And she's got a wedding-ring
on."

Piers stared at Jill's hand.

"I--I never thought of that," he said slowly. "I am silly." A
wonderful smile came tearing to light his face. "But oh, Jill," he
faltered, "I--am--so--awfully--glad!"

Never, I fancy, was love so simply declared.

For a moment Jill looked at him. Then her eyes fell, and an exquisite
blush came stealing into her cheeks.

For an instant Piers hesitated. Then he let fall her fingers and
turned about, flushing furiously....

Before he had found his tongue, my cousin