‘That’s too thin,’ I said decidedly.  Yet even as I spoke I clutched at the straw and, holding on to it, went at once and wrote to Marion.

‘You must come home at once,’ I commanded, ’in spite of great-aunt Jane’s rheumatism.  Is it not written that it is better to have one rheumatic great-aunt than a brother, sister-in-law, and a niece in an asylum!’

For answer Marion wired the time of her return train, and I began to grow hopeful.

‘An’ when Miss Marryun comes,’ remarked Elizabeth, ’if I wos you I wouldn’t say nothin’ to ’er about the way Mr. Roarings went after Miss ‘Arringay.’

‘Why not?’ I asked involuntarily.

’She mightn’t trust ’im arter that.  I never thort myself ’e’d turn as quick as ’e did.  But men is queer, as my pore mother often said when father give ’er a black eye just to show ’ow fond ’e was of her like.  No, the best thing to do is to let Miss Marryun think that Mr. Roarings is still taken up with ’er and only went after the other young lady to make ‘er jealous.’

There was much wisdom in Elizabeth’s words.  Nevertheless, I did not intend to mix myself up in any more matrimonial schemes.  Much as I desired to see Marion happy, I felt that arranging the destiny of others did not leave me enough leisure to arrange my own, besides interfering with my literary work.  At the moment, too, the thought uppermost in my mind was how to dispose of Gladys.

I went to her with Marion’s telegram in my hand and a falsely contrite expression on my face.  ’I’m so awfully sorry, Gladys, but a most unforeseen thing has happened,’ I said.  ’Marion is coming to-day, and she’ll have to take your room.  Isn’t it an idiotic situation?’

Gladys pondered.  ‘But you have another spare room, haven’t you?’ she demanded brightly.

’Yes, Gladys, we have.  But we haven’t got the bedding for that just now.  The mattress is being cleaned, and I suppose it won’t be sent back for another fortnight at least.’

Undaunted, Gladys had another idea.  ’Then do you think Marion would mind sharing my room?’

‘She would indeed—­you see she walks in her sleep,’ I said glibly, wondering how it was George Washington had found any difficulty in dissembling, ’and she’s very sensitive about any one getting to know about it.’

Gladys went after that.  Henry and I have both decided that we’re not going to interfere with incompatibles in future.  It’s too much of a strain on the nervous system.

CHAPTER XVIII

Being a further extract from the diary of Miss Marion Warrington.  It seemed particularly unfortunate that I should be called away so hurriedly to the bedside of dear Aunt Jane at the very moment of the blossoming of my first real love episode.  Yes, I must admit my feelings have undergone a change regarding Mr. Rawlings, whom I call my silent lover.