Mrs. Gibson took a seat by the fire in the dining-room, and patiently waited for the auspicious moment when Mr. Gibson, having satisfied his healthy appetite, turned from the table, and took his place by her side. She got up, and with unaccustomed attention moved the wine and glasses so that he could help himself without moving from his chair.
"There, now! are you comfortable? for I have a great piece of news to tell you!" said she, when all was arranged.
"I thought there was something on hand," said he, smiling. "Now for it!"
"Roger Hamley has been here this afternoon to bid us good-by."
"Good-by! Is he gone? I didn't know he was going so soon!" exclaimed Mr. Gibson.
"Yes: never mind, that's not it."
"But tell me; has he left this neighbourhood? I wanted to have seen him."
"Yes, yes. He left love and regret, and all that sort of thing for you. Now let me get on with my story: he found Cynthia alone, proposed to her, and was accepted."
"Cynthia? Roger proposed to her, and she accepted him?" repeated Mr. Gibson, slowly.
"Yes, to be sure. Why not? you speak as if it was something so very surprising."