“You must give me time to consider,” she whispered.

Stafford was about to insist, when suddenly the folding doors behind them were thrown open, disclosing the elaborately laid dining table.  At the same instant Fanny and her fiance reappeared from the library.  Giving Virginia a quick glance, as if anxious to know what had occurred during their absence, the elder sister said: 

“Those pictures are lovely, aren’t they, Jim?”

“Fine,” he exclaimed.

Stafford bowed in acknowledgment.

“I’m glad you liked them,” he smiled.  Turning to the younger sister, he added:  “Shall we go in to dinner?”

Virginia, who had been standing with her back to the dining room, her face clouded in deep thought, turned round.  An exclamation of surprise and delight escaped her lips when she caught sight of the elaborate spread made in her honor.

“Oh, isn’t it beautiful!” she exclaimed rapturously.

The table, with its corbeils of fruit, beautiful silver, floral pieces, snowy linen, fine crystal, the whole dominated by a superb electrolier, which cast color over all, was indeed a spectacle to delight and fascinate the eye.  Jimmie was so overcome by the sight, that he nearly fell over the chair which the accommodating Oku held out for him.  At last all were seated, Virginia at the right hand of the host, Fanny at the left, the shipping clerk at the other end of the table.

“Wine, Oku, the wine!” cried Stafford, while his guests began to nibble the dainty appetizers which preceded the more substantial dishes.

The little butler, quick as lightning, filled the glasses with foaming, hissing champagne.  The host, his eyes fixed on Virginia, rose to his feet, glass in hand, while Jimmie, unaccustomed to such fine surroundings, and feeling rather out of place, looked up and stared.  Slowly Stafford raised his glass.  Impressively he said: 

“Before we begin dinner, I have a toast to propose—­”

Fanny and Jimmie looked up.

“A toast!” they cried in surprise.

Stafford, his eyes still on Virginia, went on: 

“I have the honor of proposing the happiness of Virginia—­my future bride!”

Virginia started and turned pale and red in turn.

[Illustration:  RAISING HIS GLASS HE SAID:  “TO VIRGINIA—­MY FUTURE BRIDE!” PAGE 144]

Jimmie, with an audible exclamation of satisfaction, nearly choked over his champagne.  Fanny, overjoyed, took her sister’s hand, exclaiming: 

“Really, Virgie!  This is a surprise, and you didn’t tell me?”

“It—­isn’t—­definite,” stammered Virginia helplessly.  “I—­haven’t—­ promised.”

Stafford laughed—­the low, triumphant laugh of a man who knew he held the winning card.  Again raising his glass, he said significantly: 

“No, dear, but you will.  To the future Mrs. Stafford!”

CHAPTER X