“I am very glad, Cassie—glad for both you and Havener. I knew how much depended on it.” “The happiness of our lives depended on it—yes, our very lives!” asserted the man. “Well,” said Frank, “I presume I am to be best man?” “Of course!” cried Havener and Cassie together. “Then that is settled.” “I have satisfied myself beyond a doubt, and Cassie also, that the woman I believed my wife was the lawful wife of another at the time we were living together. She committed bigamy. That clears me of her, and I am free.” Frank showed Havener and Cassie the notices in the dramatic papers, and they took their turn to congratulate him. “The sun of happiness and prosperity is shining brightly on all of us just now,” said Merry. “I see my way clear to get back to college, and——” “Leave the rest of us in the lurch,” laughed Havener. “Well, I guess we can take care of ourselves.” “But I don’t propose to leave the rest of you in the lurch, Havener.” “What are you going to do about it?” “This play will go on the road again next season.” “Yes; who will manage it?” “Roscoe Havener.” “What?” Havener was astounded. “I have resolved on that, if you care to take it out.” The stage manager was dazed for the moment. “Oh, that is so good of you!” cried Cassie. “Just think of it, Ross! You were saying yesterday that you’d give anything if you had a piece like this for me to play in!” “I know it,” said Havener; “but I never dreamed of——” “Nor did I!” cried the little soubrette. “Oh, how can we thank Frank!” “I don’t know,” said Havener. “Words can’t seem to express what I want to say.” “Same here!” chirped Cassie. “Don’t say anything,” laughed Frank. “But how are we to get all the money to back the piece?” asked Havener. “I’ll back it myself,” said Frank. “That is, I’ll do it if Chicago and New York does not break me. Of course, I may run against snags in those places. If I get broken, I believe you should be able to find an angel, Havener, in case I do not keep in the business.” “It’s a shame that you are thinking of leaving just as you’re getting such a start!” cried Cassie. “I want to get back to college,” said Frank. “I feel something drawing me back there. If I wait longer, my old classmates and chums will be gone. Of course I can go back and finish my course, but it will not be the same. I have made up my mind to return to Yale somehow in the fall.” “Well,” said Cassie, “whatever you do, I wish you good fortune and happiness, for I am sure you deserve it.” “Thank you. A man deserves what he wins. I have worked hard to win out, and prosperity seems coming my way at last.” Havener and Cassie departed pretty soon, and Frank turned to find Bart seated on a chair, his elbows resting on his knees, and his face hidden in his hands. CHAPTER XVI. BART AND DAISY.