"
CHAPTER XVIII
THE GREATEST GIFT
The Author threw his short cape backward, laid one hand upon the
hilt of his sword, doffed his cap, and made a sweeping courtesy.
"Prettily played, Mr. Jelnik!" said he, admiringly. "May one be
permitted to congratulate you, upon your indubitably dramatic
instinct?"
"All things are permitted; but not all things are expedient," Mr.
Jelnik replied evenly.
"Oh, we know who can quote scripture!" cried The Author; and looked
longingly at the other's naked throat.
At which point Doctor Geddes, coming as it were out of a trance,
took the situation in hand.
"Have done with this nonsense!" he ordered sharply. "Alicia, get
Sophy home; she looks more dead than alive. Jelnik, your declaration
puts a new complexion on this affair; but let me tell you flatly I
don't like your method of announcing engagements."
"Suppose you waive criticism and look after Sophy," suggested Mr.
Jelnik. He walked up to his cousin and looked straight in his eyes:
"Richard, you're not such a fool as to dare doubt _us_?"
"Eh?" blinked the doctor, "what? Doubt _Sophy_? I should say not!
And you--oh, well, you're a bit of a fool yourself at times, Jelnik,
and this seems to be one of the times; but I don't doubt you.
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