t from behind his
menu, saw the approach.

"Now, in Heaven's name," he groaned, "are they married or aren't they?"
and having said this he awaited the worst.

CHAPTER X

MR. AND NOT MRS. ASHFORTH

Suum cuique: to the Man belongeth courage in great things, but in
affairs of small moment Woman is pre-eminent. Charlie Ellerton was
speechless; Dora Bellairs, by a supreme effort, rose on shaking legs
and advanced with outstretched hands to meet John Ashforth.

"Mr. Ashforth, I declare! Who would have thought of meeting you here?"
she exclaimed; and she added in an almost imperceptible, mysterious
whisper, "Hush!"

John at once understood that he was to make no reference to the
communications which had resulted in this happy meeting. He expressed a
friendly gratification in appropriate words. Dora began to breathe
again; everything was passing off well. Suddenly she glanced from John
to Mary. Mary stood alone, about three yards from the table, gazing at
Charlie. Charlie sat as though paralyzed. He would ruin everything.

"Mr. Ellerton," she called sharply. Charlie started up, but before he
could reach Dora's side, the latter had turned to Mary and was holding
out a friendly hand. Mary responded with alacrity.

"Miss Bellairs, isn't it? We ought to know one another. I'm so glad to
meet you."

Charlie was by them now.

"And how do you do, Mr. Ellerton?" went on Mary, rivalling Dora in
composure. And she also added a barely visible and quite inaudible
"Hush!"

"Who are they?" asked Deane in a low voice.

"Their name's Ashforth," answered Laing.

"God bless my soul!" exclaimed the General. "I remember him now. We
made his acquaintance at Interlaken, but his name had slipped from my
memory. And that's his wife? Fine girl, too. I must speak to him." And
full of kindly intent he bustled off and shook John warmly by the hand.

"My dear Ashforth, delighted to meet you again, and under such
delightful conditions, too! Ah, well, it only comes once in a lifetime,
does it?--in your case anyhow, I hope. I see Dora has introduced
herself. You must present me. When was it?"

Portions of this address puzzled John considerably, but he thought it
best to do as he was told.

"Mary," he said, "let me introduce General Bellairs--Miss Bellairs's
father--to you. General Bell--"

The General interrupted him by addressing Mary with much, effusion.

"Delighted to meet you. Ah, you know our young friend Ellerton?
Everybody