“I stood in the store, and saw the man go that way; you know the house is in full sight. By just stepping under the awning I can see the vines on the porch, and that crowd of flowers in front.” “Does Mrs. Smith know yet?” “Yes. She’s just found it out, and pitched into her husband awful. He’s satisfied, and won’t give way an inch. But isn’t she on the rampage! The worst of it is, I’ve got to go before the justice, and I tell you it’s unpleasant.” “Yes; but you are in for it, and must go through. Anything else?” “Yes; something that the cook told me. Tell me, old fellow, have you put your foot in it to the extent of saddling yourself with another sweetheart. She talks of your being engaged, of a wedding, and so forth. How much of this is true?” The footman drew Boyce farther into the room, and shut the door. “I say Boyce, if I was to marry a woman, with more than five hundred dollars laid up from wages, and five thousand a pretty sure thing, would you stand by me?” “Through thick and thin; so long as we shared!” answered Boyce, holding out his hand, and working his long fingers like the claws of a bird. “Of course, I should be liberal. Brothers are brothers, you know.” “Yes, and don’t they grind one another down? Oh, no, never! It isn’t in the natur of one to do nothing, and take all he can grip at. He never lets any one take risks of the law for him. Oh, no!” “But you will run no risk when I marry Ellen Post. The law comes on me there.” “Exactly. But I come between you and the law, having seen you married to that other woman, and knowing just where she’s to be found any minute!” “Well, well, you will not be unreasonable?” “Oh, no! But won’t she cut up rusty?” “How is she to find out? What does Mary Boyce know about Robert Mahone? Why, she don’t know who I am living with. In fact, thinks I’m tending bar in some place where women never come; generally out of business though, or I shouldn’t get a share of her earnings.” “And you mean to do it, anyhow?” “Yes. I’ve made up my mind. Such a pile of money don’t tumble in upon a fellow without some risk; so I’ll stand the racket, especially as Ellen Post is a splendid cretur.” “Handsomer than Mary?” “No comparison; but you’ve seen her. She was out here the other day.” “What! That woman with the cap and ribbons? You don’t say so; golly! here she comes, and I’m off. Don’t want to be introduced to my new sister-in-law just yet. She might put on airs.” With these words Boyce stepped into the kitchen, took up his basket, and left the house. CHAPTER LIV. PREPARING FOR THE WEDDING. “Mr. Mahone! Mr. Mahone! Is there any news?” said Ellen Post, advancing toward the laundry.