However, in spite of the opposing fates, Earle and Arthur had planned a _coup de main_ which, with Ladybird's consent, was successfully carried out. Aura Stanley was still too much in love with Earle Winans to reject the dainty basket of roses that arrived one morning by messenger with a note asking leave to call that evening, and signed duly by Lord Chester and Earle. "They think they will see Ladybird, but I will outwit them," she thought angrily, and replied by giving them permission to call. Mrs. Stanley was charged not to let her weary little slave escape from her couch that evening. "Make her read aloud to you, mamma, or bathe your forehead with camphor--anything, so that she does not get a moment downstairs," Aura said imperiously, before going down in her magnificent crimson silk gown, in which she hoped to capture Earle's admiration if not his heart. And she thought she was succeeding when she saw how his eyes lingered on her, and noted his smiles when she adroitly referred to "last summer, when they had been such friends, before that little misunderstanding." He smiled and he said yes, but in a noncommittal way that was rather puzzling. However, she thought they were really getting on nicely, and was proud of the sociability of her visitors, building high hopes for the future, when suddenly a startling peal on the door-bell was followed by the information that Mr. Winans was wanted at once on important business, by some person unknown. With profuse apologies to Aura for the interruption to their call, the young gentlemen took their leave and went out to their waiting carriage, leaving Aura alone in the parlor, to dream rosy dreams of the future, evoked by the smiles of that arch-deceiver, Earle Winans. But in the midst of her rosy vision a servant appeared at the door with the startling announcement: "Miss Conway's compliments to you, miss, and she has gone away to marry Mr. Winans." "What do you mean?" Aura wildly gasped; and the man, evidently in the secret, smiled broadly and replied: "Just as I was letting the callers out at the door Miss Conway came flying down the stairs in her hat and jacket, and Mr. Winans took her hand and drew it in his arm. Then she laughed and gave me that message for you, and all three went away in the carriage together." "Go! find my father! Bring him home instantly!" shrieked Aura, white with fury. Then she flew upstairs to her mother and blurted out the shocking news. "Ladybird has gone away with Earle Winans to marry him--eloped!--and I told you not to let her out of your sight!" she raved, wringing her jeweled hands in angry despair. Mrs. Stanley sat up in bed, the picture of dismay.