"But Mistah Preston will be down right
away, sah."
A moment later a heavier step was heard on the stairway. Then
May Preston's uncle came into the parlor.
"You will pardon Mrs. Preston not coming down stairs to-night,
I know, Mr. Dalzell," said the man of the house, as he and the
midshipman shook hands. "The truth is, we are very much occupied
to-night."
"I had not dreamed of it, or I would not have called," murmured
Dan reddening. "I trust you will pardon me."
"There is no need of pardon, for you have not offended," smiled
Mr. Preston. "I shall be very glad to spare you half an hour,
if I can interest, you."
"You are very kind, sir," murmured Dan. "And Miss Preston----"
"My niece?"
"Yes, sir."
"It is mainly on my niece's account that we are so busy to-night,"
smiled the host.
"She is not ill, sir?" asked Dan in alarm.
"Ill! Oh, dear me, no!"
Mr. Preston laughed most heartily.
"No; she is not in the least ill, Mr. Dalzell, though, on Monday,
she may feel a bit nervous toward noon,"
"Nervous---on Monday?" asked Dan vaguely. It seemed rank nonsense
that her uncle should be able to predict her condition so definitely
on another day.
"Why, yes; Monday is to be the great day, of course."
"Great day, sir? And why 'of course'?" inquired Dan, now as much
interested as he was mystified.
"Why, my niece is to be married Monday at high noon."
"Married?" gasped Midshipman Dalzell, utterly astounded and discomfited
by such unlooked-for news.
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