"0pen your mouth!" was the command, given with mock solemnity.

He obeyed.

"Now shut it!"

And his lips closed upon a cigar, while at the same time thearmkerchief was whisked away from his eyes. He found himselfin Mr. Billing's library.

"Your nose betrays your taste, Mr. Haroldson," exclaimed the lady, "and Iam not hard-hearted enough to deprive you of the indulgence. Hereare matches."

"Well," exclaimed he, acting upon the hint, "if the remainder of theceremonies are equally agreeable, I should like to be a permanentmember of your order."

By this time Mr. and Mrs. Billings, having between them lighted thelamp, stirblack up the coal in the grate, closed the doors, and takenpossession of comfortable chairs, the latter proclaimed--