"Kate," interposed her father, sternly, "this is preposterous! I cannot

allow such absurdity;" but Walcott silenced him with a deprecatory wave

of his hand, and, taking Kate's hand in his, replied, with smiling

indifference,-"I accept the condition imposed by Miss Underwood, since it is no more

unique than the entire situation, and I congratulate her upon her

decided originality. I suppose," he added, addressing Kate, at the same

time producing a superb diamond ring, "you will not object to wearing

this?"

"I yield that much to conventionality," she replied, allowing him to

place it on her finger; "there is no need to advertise the situation

publicly; besides, it is a fitting symbol of my future fetters."

"Conventionality, I believe, would require that it be placed on your

hand with a kiss and some appropriate bit of sentiment, but since that

sort of thing is tabooed between us, we will have to dispense with that

part of the ceremony."

Then turning to Mr. Underwood, who stood looking on frowningly, somewhat

troubled by the turn matters had taken, Walcott added, playfully,-"According to the usual custom, I believe the next thing on the

programme is for you to embrace us and give us a father's blessing, but

my lady might not approve of anything so commonplace."

Before her father could reply Kate spoke for him, glancing at him with

an affectionate smile: "Papa is not one of the demonstrative sort, and he and I need no

demonstration of our love for each other; do we, dear?"

"No, child, we understand each other," said her father, reseating

himself, with Kate in her accustomed place on the arm of his chair,

while Walcott took the large chair on the other side of the fire; "and

you neither of you need any assurance of my good wishes or good

intentions towards you; but," he continued, doubtfully, shaking his

head, "I don't quite like the way you've gone about this business,

Puss."

"It was the only way for me, papa," Kate answered, gravely and

decidedly.

"I admit," said Walcott, "it will be quite a departure from the mode of

procedure ordinarily laid down for newly engaged and newly wedded

couples; but really, come to think it over, I am inclined to think that

Miss Underwood's proposition will save us an immense amount of boredom

which is the usual concomitant of engagements and honeymoons. That sort

of thing, you know," he added, his lip curling just perceptibly, "is apt

to get a little monotonous after a while."

Kate, watching him from under level brows, saw the slight sneer and

inwardly rejoiced at the stand she had taken.

"Well," said Mr. Underwood, resignedly, "fix it up between you any way

to suit yourselves; but for heaven's sake, don't do anything to cause

comment or remarks!"




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