I admitted he did, though I could not see what on earth that had to do with the question. "Still, I couldn't share it with Fay unless she were my wife," I added.
Annabel looked puzzled. "Of course not. Whoever suggested such a thing?"
"I thought you did."
"Good gracious, no! such an absurd idea never entered my head. I was only thinking about your marrying Fay."
"I spoke to Arthur on the matter, as he is Fay's guardian," I continued, "and also my own parish priest."
"It was quite right to consult him as Fay's guardian, but I do not see what being a parish priest, as you call it, has to do with the question. And I must say I very much hope, Reggie, that you did not use that ridiculous expression in speaking to Arthur. He is too much inclined to Romanism as it is, and expressions like that are apt to give him false and popish notions of his own importance."
"And he said," I went on, "that I ought to tell Fay that I love her, and to let the decision of accepting or refusing me lie with her."
"What ridiculous advice! Of course she would accept you at once."
Again I was grateful to Annabel for seeing my darling as I saw her. She evidently realised, as I did, that Fay was far too unselfish to consider her own happiness in comparison with mine. If Fay knew I loved her, she would accept me, whatever the sacrifice to herself.
"Then you think Arthur was wrong?" I asked.