“At once,” said Nick promptly.  “Come along and tell Sir Reginald.  He must be out of bed by this time.  If he isn’t I think the occasion almost justifies us in knocking him up.”

They found Sir Reginald already upon the verandah, drinking his early coffee, and to Muriel’s dismay he was not alone.  It was later than she had imagined, and Colonel Cathcart and Bobby Fraser had both dropped in for a gossip, and were seated with him at the table smoking.

As she and Nick approached, Lady Bassett herself emerged through an open window behind the three men.

Nick began to chuckle.  This was the sort of situation that appealed to his sense of humour.  He began to chant an old-world ditty under his breath with appropriate words.

“Oh, dear, what will the Bassett say?”

Muriel uttered a short, hysterical laugh, and instantly they were discovered.

“Now what are you going to do?” said Nick.

“I don’t know,” she responded hurriedly.  “Run away, I think.”

“Not you,” said Nick, grasping her hand very firmly.  “You are going to face the music with me.”

She gave in, half laughing, half protesting, and he led her up the steps with considerable pomp.

She need not have been so painfully embarrassed, for every one, with the exception of Bobby Fraser, looked at Nick, and Nick only, in speechless amazement, as though he had just returned from the dead.

Nick was sublimely equal to the occasion.  He came to a standstill by the table, executed an elaborate bow in Lady Bassett’s direction, then turned briskly to Sir Reginald.

“After two years’ deliberation,” he announced, “we have decided to settle our differences by getting married, and we are hoping, sir, that you will bestow your blessing upon our union.”

“My good fellow!” gasped Sir Reginald.  “This is a very great surprise!”

“Yes, I know,” said Nick.  “It was to me, too.  But—­though fully sensible of my unworthiness—­I shall do my best to deserve the very high honour that has been done me.  And I hope we may count upon your approval and support.”

Again his bow included Lady Bassett.  There was a mocking glint in the glance he threw her.

She came forward as though in answer to a challenge, her face unwontedly flushed.  “This is indeed unexpected!” she declared, extending her hand.  “How do you do, Captain Ratcliffe?  You will understand our surprise when I tell you that some one was saying only the other day that you had entered a Tibetan monastery.”

“Some one must have been telling a lie, dear Lady Bassett,” said Nick.  “I am sorry if it caused you any uneasiness on my account.  I should certainly never have taken such a serious step without letting you know.  I trust that my projected marriage will have a less disturbing effect.”

Lady Bassett smiled her crooked smile, and raised one eyebrow.  “Oh, I shall not be anxious on your account,” she assured him playfully.