She did not cease, but her fingers strayed on over the keys, and once more as his arm rested upon the piano, the chords thrilled through his very being; and when, without a word, his hands were outstretched to take her to his breast, she sank upon it with a sigh of relief. At that moment steps were heard upon the landing, and Edie and Miss Jerrold entered the room dressed to go to some concert, Sir Mark following directly after, from the dining room, with Guest.
Myra did not shrink from Stratton till all had seen what had taken place. Then, gravely crossing to her father, she laid her hands together upon his breast, while he waited for her to speak.
The words came at last:
“Father, dear, Malcolm has asked me to be his wife.”
Sir Mark drew her tightly to him, and held out his hand to Stratton.
“Soon, dear, very soon, but it must be very quiet, and not from here.”
“Anything, my darling, to see you happy once again.”
The butler just then brought in a lamp, and they could see the love light beaming from her eyes.