"Then to-morrow," said Madam Bowker reluctantly. "That will do, Williams--that will do, Betty. And, Betty, you must go at once and make yourself neat. You've had on that cap two days." "No, indeed, ma'am!" protested Betty. "Then it was badly done up. Roxana, how can you bear to live in such a slovenly way?" "Will you have tea now, Mamma?" was Roxana's diplomatic reply. "Yes," answered the old lady. "Tea, Mr. Arkwright?" "Thanks, no, Mrs. Severence. I'm just going. I merely looked in to--to congratulate Rita." Madam Bowker clutched her staff. "To congratulate my granddaughter? Upon what, pray?" Arkwright simulated a look of surprise. "Upon her engagement." "Her WHAT?" demanded the old lady, while Roxana sat holding a lump of sugar suspended between bowl and cup. "Her engagement to Josh Craig." "No such thing!" declared the old lady instantly. "Really, sir, it is disgraceful that MY granddaughter's name should be associated in ANY connection with such a person." Here Margaret entered the room by the French windows by which she had left. She advanced slowly and gracefully, amid a profound silence. Just as she reached the tea-table her grandmother said in a terrible voice: "Margaret!" "Yes, Grandmother," responded Margaret smoothly, without looking at her. "Mr. Arkwright here has brought in a scandalous story about your being engaged to that--that Josh person--the clerk in one of the departments. Do you know him?" "Yes, Grandma. But not very well." Madam Bowker glanced triumphantly at Arkwright; he was gazing amazedly at Margaret. "You see, Grant," said Roxana, with her foolish, pleasant laugh, "there is nothing in it." "In what?" asked Margaret innocently, emptying the hot water from her cup. "In the story of your engagement, dear," said her mother. "Oh, yes, there is," replied Margaret with a smiling lift of her brows. "It's quite true." Then, suddenly drawing herself up, she wheeled on Grant with a frown as terrible as her grandmother's own. "Be off!" she said imperiously. Arkwright literally shrank from the room. As he reached the door he saw her shiver and heard her mutter, "Reptile!" CHAPTER XI MADAM BOWKER HEARS THE NEWS