"There was no aversion on either side. I admired Barbie from the first moment I saw her."
"So did I. I was always fond of her, she is a darling; but oh, my poor Geoffrey, have you thought of your mother-in-law?"
"No, and I am not going to think of her!"
"Is anything settled?" inquired Fanny, the matchmaker.
"Mrs. Bourne and Barbie are coming down next week, and something will be arranged then."
"They stay here, of course," promptly put in Colonel Tallboys. "Fanny, you will write at once."
Geoffrey, who had taken another turn round the room, again came to a halt, and said:
"There is something else I have to tell you." After a momentary pause, he added:
"I have found my Uncle."
"God bless me, you don't say so!" ejaculated Colonel Tallboys, leaning both hands on the arms of his chair, and rising slowly to his feet.