"You must forgive my cousins. They're not being rude. To tell you the truth, we've recently had a bereavement. A particularly cherished friend, who was to furnish us all with tobacco for several months, disappeared in sickening circumstances only two days ago. The cigar and the cigarette have revived some painful memories." Our hostess opened and closed her mouth before replying. Then-- "What," she said faintly, "what was your--er--cherished friend like?" Berry started to his feet. "Both hinges gone," he shouted, "tied up with rope--reeking of pepper----" Mrs. Waterbrook interrupted him with a shriek. "He's outside my bedroom," she wailed. "By the side of the tall-boy. I suppose it's too much to hope that you've got my tea." "Tea?" we screamed. "Tea," piped our hostess. "Beautiful China tea. Thirty-five pounds of it. Under the camisoles." Berry raised his eyes to heaven. "Modesty forbade us," he said, "to go further than the b-b-b-bust b-b-b-bodices." * * * * * It was in the midst of our rejoicing that Piers set foot on the verandah. For a moment he stood staring, pardonably bewildered, at the two smugglers, who were saluting one another respectively with a profound curtsey and the most elaborate of bows. Then he pulled open the great window and stepped hesitatingly into the room. As he did so, the door was flung open, and a man-servant appeared. "Mees Mansel," he announced. Nobby entered anyhow, pleasedly lugging Jill into the room. "Why, Jill!" cried Daphne. "My dear.... Mrs. Waterbrook, let me introduce----" "_But that's not Miss Mansel!_" It was Piers' voice. With one accord we turned, staring.... With arm outstretched, the boy was pointing at Jill. For a moment nobody moved. Then Piers sprang forward and caught Jill's hands in his. "Jill!" he panted. "Jill, you're not Miss Mansel?" "Yes, I am," said Jill steadily. "But I thought you were married to Boy. I thought--I thought Adèle was Miss Mansel." "Oh, Piers," said Jill reproachfully. "And she's got a wedding-ring on." Piers stared at Jill's hand. "I--I never thought of that," he said slowly. "I am silly." A wonderful smile came tearing to light his face. "But oh, Jill," he faltered, "I--am--so--awfully--glad!" Never, I fancy, was love so simply declared. For a moment Jill looked at him. Then her eyes fell, and an exquisite blush came stealing into her cheeks. For an instant Piers hesitated. Then he let fall her fingers and turned about, flushing furiously.... Before he had found his tongue, my cousin advanced to her hostess and put out her hand. "I'm afraid I'm awfully late," she said quietly. Mrs. Waterbrook stooped and kissed her. "My darling," she said softly, "it was worth waiting for." CHAPTER VII HOW DAPHNE LOST HER BEDFELLOW, AND THE LINE OF LEAST RESISTANCE PROVED IRRESISTIBLE.