"We can't thank you enough," declared Phyllis, a little overcome by so much grandeur. Tom was standing in a far corner of the room. "I would like to suggest that I be allowed to come into this," he demanded firmly. "You, Tom?" teased Madge. "You're merely the audience." Tom took four small square boxes out of his pocket. "Don't you be too sure, Miss Madge Morton. My future brother-in-law, Judge Robert Hilliard, has commissioned me to present his gifts to his bridesmaids. Madge shall be the last person to see in these boxes, just for her unkind treatment of me." "All right, Tom," agreed Madge; "I don't think I could stand anything more just at this instant." Nevertheless Madge peeped over Phil's shoulder. Judge Hilliard had presented each one of the houseboat girls with an exquisite little pin, an enameled model of their houseboat, done in white and blue, the colors of the "Merry Maid." * * * * * The wedding was over. There were still a few guests in the dining room saying good-bye to Mrs. Curtis and Tom; but Madeleine and Judge Hilliard had gone. The four girls and Miss Jenny Ann found a resting place in the beautiful French music room. Madeleine's wedding presents were in the library, just behind the music room. "It was simply perfect, wasn't it, Miss Jenny Ann?" breathed Lillian, as they drew their chairs together for a talk. "Madeleine must be perfectly happy," sighed Eleanor sentimentally. "Judge Hilliard is so good-looking." "Oh, dear me!" broke in Madge, coming out of a brown study. She was sitting in a big carved French chair. "I don't see how Madeleine Curtis could have left her mother and this beautiful home for any man in the world. I am sure if I had such an own mother I should never leave her," finished the little captain. "Until some one came along whom you loved better," interposed Miss Jenny Ann. "That could never be, Miss Jenny Ann," declared Madge stoutly, her blue eyes wistful. "Why, if my father is alive and I find him, I shall never leave him for anybody else." "What's that noise?" demanded Phyllis sharply. It was after six o'clock and the Curtis home was brilliantly lighted. The window blinds were all closed. But there was a curious rapping and scratching at one of the windows that opened into a small side yard. "It may be one of the servants," suggested Miss Jenny Ann, listening intently. "It can't be," rejoined Madge. "No one of them would make such a strange noise." "I think I had better call Tom," breathed Eleanor faintly. "It must be a burglar trying to steal Madeleine's wedding gifts."