"Constance," said Emilia, "I think you had best take a walk while I speak to Julian's father."
Constance kissed her mother in silence, and was leaving the room as M. Bordier entered it.
"Are you going for a walk?" he asked, holding out his hand.
His voice and manner were so affectionate that her heart was filled with joy. Emilia's heart also throbbed with hope.
"Yes, sir," replied Constance, raising her eyes timidly to his face.
"It is a bright morning, my dear," he said. "I am glad for your sake and for Julian's."
She wiped away the happy tears as she descended the stairs and out into the sunshine.
"I thought I would lose no time," said M. Bordier to Emilia, "although really it seemed as if I were not master of my own movements. Julian was so impatient that he almost thrust me from the house. We will not beat about the bush, my dear madam. Julian is my only son, and that which affects his happiness affects me almost as nearly."
"Then you have no objection to the engagement?" said Emilia, eagerly.
"None. Julian has related to me all that passed between you and him, and said you chided him for not coming to me first."