"Why, in a reasonable way--openly, after discussing the matter, as real men and women would. None of the old elopement nonsense! Real people don't do that." "Well, but--er--don't people differ?" "Not half so much as you think--not real people. Well, you'll see. Only I wish I could get on a bit quicker. The office takes up so much of my time. If I can make a bit out of this thing, I'll chuck the office." He paused for a minute. "You've been away, haven't you?" "Yes, I've been down in the country. Had some family affairs to--er--look after." He was a little surprised that Mr. Beverley had condescended to notice his absence. "Going to be in town now?" "Well, I'm off for about ten days more. Then I've got to buckle to work--if I can get any work to buckle to, that is." Mr. Beverley nodded thoughtfully and smiled. The next moment a loud giggling proceeded from where Miss Layard and Joe sat. The lady rose, saying, "I'll ask Mr. Beverley," and came towards them, Joe looking on with a broad grin on his face. "He's not like you--he's sensible and serious." After a quick glance over her shoulder at Joe, she addressed the author. "Oh, Mr. Beverley, you're a literary man and all that. Tell me, do you say 'ee-ther' or 'eye-ther'?" Her face was a picture of innocent gravity. "Eye-ther," replied the eminent author promptly. "But which?" "Eye-ther." "Oh, but haven't you a choice?" "I tell you I say 'eye-ther,' Miss Layard." Joe sniggered. Arthur began to smile slowly, as the joke dawned upon him. "Just as it happens--or alternately--or on Sundays and week-days, or what, Mr. Beverley?" "I've told you three times already that I say----" He stopped, looked at her sourly, and fell back in his stall, muttering something that sounded very like "Damned nonsense!" "I thought I could pull your leg!" she cried exultantly, and burst into the merriest peal of laughter--sweet ringing laughter that set Arthur laughing too in sympathy. She was indeed all that Joe had said when she laughed like that. She was irresistible. If only Mr. Beverley had given her opportunity enough for laughter, _Did you Say Mrs.?_ must surely be a success! She saw his eyes fixed on her in delight. "Awfully good, isn't it?" she said. "Because you can't get out of it, whatever you answer!" Her laughter trilled out again, clear, rich, and soft. "First Act!" called Mr. Etheringham threateningly. "I'd like to try it on him," she whispered. "Only he's so cross!" CHAPTER XXV THE OLD DAYS END