So, buck up, Captain, for you are going to have the shock of your life.

Whatever you do, even if you feel that you are about to faint, don't, for my sake, let your face show it." "But," he protested, "give me some warning, some opportunity to prepare for such an emergency." "No," she laughed gaily, "there is no time; it is ordained to fall upon you like a thunder-bolt.

They are all in there waiting for us now.

You will offer me your arm." He accompanied her, amused, yet bewildered, through the wide archway into the more brilliantly lighted drawing-room.

It was a magnificent apartment, containing a half dozen people.