“I wanted to hear you say them here,” he rejoined. “Say what?” she asked, a little puzzled by the tone of his voice.
“Your congratulations,” he answered.
She held out a hand to him. “I offer them now. It was wonderful. You were inspired. I did not think you could ever let yourself go.”
He held her hand firmly. “I promise not to do it again,” he said whimsically.
“Why not?”
“Have I not your congratulations?” His hand drew her slightly towards him; she rose to her feet.
“That is no reason,” she answered, confused, yet feeling that there was a double meaning in his words.
“I could not allow you to be so vain,” he said. “We must be companionable. Henceforth I shall congratulate myself—Kathleen.”
There was no mistaking now. “Oh, what is it you are going to say to me?” she asked, yet not disengaging her hand.
“I said it all in the court-room,” he rejoined; “and you heard.”