Much astounded Tom followed the father and son into the Chinese room. Janet, getting out of the elevator, saw the little procession, and moved by curiosity, also entered the room. Calderon Fordyce glanced vexedly at the increasing group around him, his request that there should be no scene was not to be granted. Calhoun-Cooper was about to speak when Duncan opened the hall door. “What do you mean by running off and leaving your guests, Janet?” he demanded. “They are saying good-bye, and Marjorie....” he stopped abruptly as his eyes fell on the others. “Go back to the drawing-room, dear,” and he pushed Janet through the door and closed it behind her. “Tell me the truth, Joe,” commanded Calhoun-Cooper. “Have you taken out a marriage license?” “Yes,” answered Joe sullenly. “What?” screamed Pauline. “Who are you going to marry?” “None of your business,” retorted her brother. “It is very much my business,” broke in Calhoun-Cooper, who had been holding a hurried conversation with Barnard. “Considering you are not of legal age to marry in the District without your parent’s consent.” “We can be married in Rockville,” replied Joe heatedly. “I suppose you read the marriage license published in the _Star_ tonight.” “Your mother read it after dinner, and at once notified me at the Capitol.” “It’s rotten luck!” complained Joe bitterly. “I didn’t know they’d publish it. Why should you withhold your consent, father? Kathryn Allen is worthy of respect and love.” “Kathryn Allen!” Pauline’s face turned red with mortification and rage. “You propose marrying that girl of questionable repute? You dare to think of bringing her into our family!” “My family is quite as good as yours,” retorted a voice from the other side of the room, and Kathryn Allen, who had been an interested listener in the passageway, stepped to Joe’s side. She had discarded Marjorie’s sweater, and straightened her dress. She looked a model trained nurse in her simple white uniform. For a moment the others were too astounded to speak. “Are you Kathryn Allen?” asked Calhoun-Cooper. “Yes,” proudly. “And your son has the honor to be engaged to me.” She flashed a triumphant look at Pauline whose indignation prevented speech on her part. “Where have you been most of the evening, nurse?” questioned Calderon Fordyce sternly. “My wife informed me, when I went to see how she was, that you had been absent for over an hour.” “I came downstairs to do an errand for her,” lied Kathryn. “Your wife was asleep when I left her.” “I do not like such conduct,” said Fordyce curtly. “I have already telephoned to the hospital for another nurse. You may leave at once.” Kathryn’s eyes blazed with wrath. “You--you--send me away,” she paused to gain control of her trembling voice. “You, whose own daughter is a thief!”