"No; you must hear me, Kitty." He was pale with the intensity of his emotion. "I thought that I could be content just to see you--to be with you; but it has gone beyond that. I must _know_ if there is a chance for me. Is there, my dearest? I know that I am unworthy--" Kitty's heart was beating to suffocation as she turned bravely and faced him. She had flirted many a time before and had turned aside a proposal with light-hearted banter, but her coquetry had deserted her utterly. "Ted!" she whispered. "Kitty!" In an instant his arms were about her. "Kitty!" His voice deepened. "My best beloved--" and as she raised her head to look into his eyes their lips met in the first kiss of love. Forgetful of all else save each other, the lovers were brought back to the everyday world and their surroundings by a determined cough. Looking hastily around, Kitty spied Charles Craige regarding them from the doorway. "Sorry to interrupt," he said dryly; then as Kitty ran to him, her eyes like twin stars and the rich color mantling her cheeks, his manner altered and his tone grew tender. "Dear child, in so far as I may, I give you a father's blessing. Rodgers, you are to be congratulated," and his hearty handshake emphasized his words. His eyes strayed to a large portrait photograph of Mrs. Amos Parsons which was the chief ornament on the mantel-piece. "I can understand and appreciate your happiness," he added. "I hope some day soon to tell you I have won the dearest woman in the world--" "Except one--" broke in Rodgers, glancing proudly at Kitty. "Perhaps so," agreed Craige cheerily. "And when is the engagement to be announced?" "Oh, don't say a word about it, please," Kitty begged; then, with a quick shy glance at Rodgers, "We must keep the secret until the mystery surrounding Aunt Susan's death is solved." "It makes a double incentive to clear up the case," declared Rodgers. "Come, Kitty, sit by the fire and I'll explain to Craige the errand which brought us to see him to-night."