quired the Major.

Dazedly Mr. Gott produced the required document.

"Thank you. Augustus, nineteen twenty-eight to this gentleman. Kindly
receipt the bill, Mr. Gott, if you please. A mere formality, of course,
but it is well to be exact. Thank you, sir. And now, Mr. Higgins."

One by one the creditors shamefacedly stepped forward, received the
amount due, receipted the bill, and stepped back again. Mr. Peters, the
photographer, was the last to sign.

"Gentlemen," said the Major, "I am sorry that my carelessness in
financial matters should have caused you this trouble, but now that you
are here, a representative gathering of East Harniss's men of affairs,
upon this night of all nights, it seems fitting that I should ask for
your congratulations. Augustus."

The wooden-faced Augustus retired to the next room and reappeared
carrying a tray upon which were a decanter and glasses.

"Gentlemen," continued the Major, "I have often testified to my
admiration and regard for your--perhaps I may now say OUR--charming
village. This admiration and regard has extended to the fair daughters
of the township. It may be that some of you have conscientious scruples
against the use of intoxicants. These scruples I respect, but I am sure
that none of you will refuse to at least taste a glass of wine with me
when I tell you that I have this day taken one of the fairest to love
and cherish during life."

He stepped to the door of the dining room, opened it, and said quietly,
"My dear, will you honor us with your presence?"

There was a rustle of black silk and there came through the doorway the
stately form of her who had been Mrs. Polena Ginn.

"Gentlemen," said the Major, "permit me to present to you my wife, the
new mistress of 'Silverleaf Hall.'"

The faces of the ex-creditors were pictures of astonishment. Mr. Gott's
expressive countenance turned white, then red, and then settled to a
mottled shade, almost as if he had the measles. Polena rushed to his
side.

"O Obed!" she exclaimed. "I know we'd ought to have told you, but 'twas
only Tuesday the Major asked me, and we thought we'd keep it a secret
so's to s'prise you. Mr. Langworthy over to Orham married us, and--"

"My dear," her husband blandly interrupted, "we will not intrude our
private affairs upon the patience of these good friends. And now,
gentlemen, let me propose a toast: To the health and happiness of the
mistress of 'Silverleaf Hall'! Brother Obed, I--"

Th