Oleander, gathering hope--"never, Mollie, until
you answer me!"
He caught both her hands and held them fast, Mollie struggling in vain.
"Oh, dear, dear, what will I say? And there--if there isn't some one
coming in! Let me go, for pity's sake, and I'll answer you--to-morrow."
"To-night, Mollie--to-night!"
"I won't--there!" wrenching her hands free and springing up. "Come
to-morrow, between twelve and one, and you shall have your answer."
She darted away, and almost into the arms of Mr. Hugh Ingelow. That
gentleman looked suspiciously from her to Dr. Oleander, emerging from
the shadow of the orange-tree.
"Am I _de trop_, Miss Dane? I thought to find the conservatory
deserted."
"And so it will be, in a minute," said Mollie, familiarly taking his
arm. "They are going to supper out yonder, and I am almost famished.
Take me down."
"And, if I can, I will make you follow Guy Oleander's lead before I
release you," was the mental addition of the naughty coquette.
It was no difficult task to accomplish. A powder magazine with the train
laid could not have needed a smaller spark to cause its explosion.
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