“Yes, and then I came to see—­”

There was a frou-frou of skirts in the hall.  Camilla made a quick move and Jim became busy with the books on the table.

Mrs. Francis entered.

“Camilla,” she began after she had spoken cordially to Jim, “Mr. Francis is in need of a young man to manage his business for him, and he has made up his mind—­quite made up his mind, Camilla, to take Mr. Russell into partnership with him if Mr. Russell will agree.  Mr. Francis needs just such a young man, one of education, good habits and business ability and so, Camilla, I see no reason why your marriage should not take place at once.”

“Marriage!” Camilla gasped.

“Yes,” Mrs. Francis said in her richest tones.  “Your marriage, Camilla, at once.  You are engaged are you not?”

“I am—­convinced,” Camilla said irrelevantly.

And then it was Mrs. Francis who laughed as she held out a hand to each of them.

“I do see—­things—­sometimes,” she said.