I don't know whether this is the worst or the best luck. How will my wife regard it? Is Captain Ardale a good fellow?
Mrs. Cortelyon.
My dear Aubrey, you'd better read up the accounts of his wonderful heroism. Face to face with death for a whole week; always with a smile and a cheering word for the poor helpless souls depending on him! Of course, it's that that has stirred the depths of your child's nature. I've watched her while we've been dragging the story out of him, and if angels look different from Ellean at that moment, I don't desire to meet any, that's all!
Aubrey.
If you were in my position——? But you can't judge.
Mrs. Cortelyon.
Why, if I had a marriageable daughter of my own and Captain Ardale proposed for her, naturally I should cry my eyes out all night—but I should thank Heaven in the morning.
Aubrey.
You believe so thoroughly in him?
Mrs. Cortelyon.