Betty Silver smiled. Her face, in repose, was rather wistful, but it lighted up when she smiled, and an unsuspected dimple came into being on her chin.     

       "Of course I shall," she said.     

       Her big gray eyes seemed to search Marvin's for an instant and Marvin had, almost subconsciously, a comfortable feeling that he had been tested and found worthy.     

       "What were you scowling at so ferociously, Betty?" asked Elsa.     

       "Was I scowling? I hope you didn't think it was at you. Oh, Elsa, I'm miserable! I shall have to leave this heavenly place."     

       "Betty!"     

       "At once. And I was meaning to have the most lovely time. See what has come!"     

       She held out some flimsy sheets of paper.     

       "A cable!" said Elsa.     

       "Great Scott! it looks like the scenario of a four-act play," said Marvin.       "That's not all one cable, surely? Whoever sent it must be a millionaire."     

       "He is. It's from my stepfather. Read it out, Elsa. I want Mr. Rossiter to hear it. He may be able to tell me where Mervo is. Did you ever hear of Mervo, Mr. Rossiter?"     

       "Never. What is it?"     

       "It's a place where my stepfather is, and where I've got to go. I do call it hard. Go on, Elsa."     

       Elsa, who had been skimming the document with raised eyebrows, now read it out in its spacious entirety.     

    On receipt of this come instantly Mervo without moment delay vital importance presence urgently required come wherever you are cancel engagements urgent necessity hustle have advised bank allow you draw any money you need expenses have booked stateroom Mauretania sailing Wednesday don't fail catch arrive Fishguard Monday train London sleep London catch first train Tuesday Dover now mind first train no taking root in London and spending a week shopping mid-day boat Dover Calais arrive Paris 

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