'I did think I heard you; but when no one came I thought it was only Richard, till I heard the dear old step, and then I knew. O, Harry!' and still she gasped, with her head on his shoulder.
'They said you must be quiet.'
'O Harry! did you hear?'
'Yes, indeed,' holding her closer, 'and heartily glad I am; I know him as well as if I had sailed with him, and I could not wish you in better hands.'
'But—O, Harry dear—' and there was a struggle with a sob between each word, 'indeed—I won't—mind if you had rather not.'
'Do you mean that you don't like him?'
'I should see him, you know, and perhaps he would not mind—he could always come and talk to papa in the evenings.'
'And is that what you want to put a poor man off with, Mary?'
'Only—only—if you don't want me to—'
'I not want you to—? Why, Mary, isn't it the very best thing I could want for you? What are you thinking about?'