That same evening the object of these mingled emotions laid a detaining hand upon the shoulder of his pretty daughter as she bent to bestow a bed-time kiss upon his grizzled moustache. "I wish to have a little conversation with you, my dear, on a serious subject."
"Oh, but Papa," replied the spoiled girl, "I am not at all in a serious frame of mind."
"It is highly probable that you will find yourself so at the end of our talk."
"Charming prospect! After such an inducement as that I can't resist any longer." She sank back into a low chair near a great case of books, for they were sitting in the cosy library.
"I met young Dunlop coming out of the house as I was coming in," began the Commodore. "I was sorry to see that."
"I was sorry to see it, too, Papa, but he couldn't be persuaded to stay longer."
"That is not a very respectful answer to give to your old father; nevertheless, I am glad to hear it, as it assures me that you have not reached the point when his absence will leave you sad."
"Oh, no! But I am willing to admit that over Mr. Galton's departure I did come very near shedding tears—of joy."
"I hope my little girl will have no cause to shed any other kind."
"His little girl" endeavoured to look oracular as she replied: "That will largely depend upon the nature of the information you are about to communicate to me."