“There, there,” he said, “I won’t scold you, my darling. Look, there’s little Lucy waving her handkerchief before she enters Fort Science. Fine fellow that brother of hers.”
“Yes, Mr Alleyne is nice,” said Glynne, returning her friend’s salute; and then, as Lucy disappeared at the curve of a steep path that ran up the sandy mound, they turned and walked back towards the hall.
“And so you are very happy, my dear?” said the major, after a thoughtful pause.
“Oh yes, uncle, so very happy,” replied Glynne quietly. “You and papa both love me.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” said the major. “I’m not so sure that I do.”
“But I am,” said the girl gently, “quite sure. Then Lucy loves me very much, and our friends are all so kind, and even the servants always smile pleasantly when I want anything done.”
“Of course they do,” said the major, testily.
“And it sets me wondering, when people talk about sorrow, and the weariness of the world.”
“Humph! I suppose so,” the major said, stopping short; “and how about Rolph?”
“Oh, he loves me too, uncle,” replied Glynne in the same quiet, placid tone and manner. “I was going to tell you: he has asked me if I would be his wife.”