All the same, I expect we shall be in London by the ninth; and then, perhaps, you and I might meet." It was by Bubbles' special wish--nay, command, that her engagement to Bill Donnington was publicly announced that very morning, at breakfast, by her aunt.

Everyone was much interested, and said the usual good-natured, rather silly, civil things; hence Blanche was glad Bill Donnington had breakfasted early, and so was not there.
Helen Brabazon was extremely excited and delighted at the news.

"I suppose it happened yesterday morning!" she exclaimed.

"For, of course, they haven't seen one another alone since then.

If they were already engaged, what awful agony poor Mr.Donnington must have gone through while you were trying to bring her to life again ?" She turned to Panton, and he answered thoughtfully, "I could see he was most terribly upset.