She was a number of yards away and a movement on her part would interrupt the ceremony, now at its most solemn moment. Besides, Mrs. Burton, or some one near, must know what was occurring before she could dream of reaching her. Transfixed, she remained staring perhaps not thirty seconds. Then she saw Mrs. Burton utter a little cry that was almost soundless, so promptly was it suppressed. Not wishing to destroy the beauty of the ceremony or to attract attention, unwisely she turned to escape from the room and with her first movement the blaze so increased that she appeared to be standing in a circle of flame. However, Allan Drain immediately threw his arms about her and was holding her still, while at the same time he was beating out the flames. The following instant David Hale, aware at last of the situation, snatched a heavy shawl from a chair, enfolded Allan Drain and Mrs. Burton inside it. It was all so quickly and quietly accomplished that Peggy and the other Camp Fire girls had no knowledge of what had taken place until the service was ended. The others had seen it, and yet for Peggy’s sake, as the danger was past, had made no outcry. “But, Betty, I do not understand how you could have been so careless,” Mrs. Burton protested almost irritable from fright, when Peggy and Ralph had turned and were surrounded by their mother and father, the Camp Fire girls, Dan and Mr. and Mrs. Ashton. Only Bettina and Mary Gilchrist moved over to the smaller group encircling Mrs. Graham and almost concealing her. “I am not hurt, Bettina dear, don’t be alarmed. And, Polly, it was careless of me, I am sorry to have frightened you. No, I am perfectly all right, only I am afraid Allan Drain is hurt. I am so sorry, Allan, I seem to be your evil genius. Bettina, suppose you come with us and please don’t let any one else trouble; I would so regret disturbing Peggy’s and Ralph’s wedding. We will come back in a few moments.” So the little group disappeared, accompanied by David Hale and Mary Gilchrist, who followed after them to offer assistance. A quarter of an hour later they all returned to the living-room save Allan Drain. Mrs. Burton, having changed her dress, showed no trace of her recent peril and begged that there be no discussion of it. Peggy and Ralph were to remain for Christmas dinner at two o’clock and afterwards to leave for New York. The dinner was the usual Christmas feast, but because Miss Patricia was hostess, she had ordered from the great city beautiful favors and bonbons as well, the principal favor a tiny log cabin with a small camp fire glowing outside upon a little surface of crystal to represent the frozen earth. Before four Peggy and Ralph departed, driven to Saranac by David Murray and soon after a slight atmosphere of depression descended upon Tahawus cabin.