She still had on the little round hat, but as Jack went she laid it aside. "Oh, Mr Neverbend," she said, "I hope you do not think that I have been unkind."
"It is I, my dear, who should express that hope."
"I have always known how well you have loved my dear father. I have been quite sure of it. And he has always said so. But—"
"Well, Eva, it is all over now."
"Oh yes, and I am so happy! I have got to tell you how happy I am."
"I hope you love Jack."
"Oh!" she exclaimed, and in a moment she was in my arms and I was kissing her. "If you knew how I hate that Mr Grundle; and Jack is all,—all that he ought to be. One of the things that makes me like him best is his great affection for you. There is nothing that he would not do for you."
"He is a very good young man," said I, thinking of the manner in which he had spoken against me on the Town Flags.
"Nothing!" said Eva.
"And nothing that he would not do for you, my dear. But that is all as it should be. He is a high-spirited, good boy; and if he will think a little more of the business and a little less of cricket, he will make an excellent husband."