"But you are as happy as Wilkins, surely." "Query. It takes two to find happiness." "What nonsense!" said Lillie. She had been already so upset by the treachery and loss of the misunderstood Diana, that she felt ready to break down and shed hot tears over these heretical sentiments of Silverdale's. He had been so good, so patient. Why should he show the cloven hoof just to-day? "Miss Dolly Vane," announced Turple the magnificent. A strange apparition presented itself--an ancient lady quaintly attired. Her dress fell in voluminous folds--the curious full skirt was bordered with velvet, and there were huge lace frills on the elbow-sleeves. Her hair was smoothed over her ears and she wore a Leghorn hat. There were the remains of beauty on her withered face but her eyes were wild and wandering. She curtseyed to the couple with old-fashioned grace, and took the chair which Lord Silverdale handed her. Lillie looked at her inquiringly. "Have I the pleasure of speaking to Miss Dulcimer?" said the old lady. Her tones were cracked and quavering. "I am Miss Dulcimer," replied Lillie. "What can I do for you?" "Ah, yes, I have been reading about you in the _Moon_ to-day. Wee Winnie and Lillie Dulcimer! Wee Winnie! It reminds me of myself. They call me Little Dolly, you know." She simpered in a ghastly manner. Lillie's face was growing pale. She could not speak. "Yes, yes of course," said Silverdale smiling. "They call you Little Dolly." "Little Dolly!" she repeated to herself, mumbling and chuckling. "Little Dolly." "So you have been reading about Miss Dulcimer!" said Silverdale pleasantly. "Yes, yes," said the old lady, looking up with a start. "Little Lillie Dulcimer. Foundress of the Old Maids' Club. That's the thing for me, I thought to myself. That'll punish Philip. That'll punish him for being away so long. When he comes home and finds Little Dolly is an old maid, won't he be sorry, poor Philip? But I can't help it. I said I would punish him and I will." All the blood had left Lillie's cheek--she trembled and caught hold of Lord Silverdale's arm. "I shan't have you now, Philip," the creaking tones of the old lady continued after a pause. "The rules will not allow it, will they, Miss Dulcimer? It is not enough that I am young and beautiful, I must reject somebody--and I have nobody else to reject but you, Philip. You are the only man I have ever loved. Oh my Philip! My poor Philip!" She began to wring her hands. Lillie pressed closer to Lord Silverdale and her grasp on his arm tightened. "Very well, we will put your name on the books at once," said the Honorary Trier, in bluff, hearty tones. Little Dolly looked up smiling. "Then I'm an old maid!" she cried ecstatically. "Already! Little Dolly an old maid! Already! Ha! ha! ha! ha! ha!"