"And—and do you suppose Miss Kenway appreciates our Luke?"
"I guess she likes him," said Cecile, smiling a little at the question. "I am sure she does, in fact. But Luke will say nothing to her unless Neighbor agrees."
"Mercy! He's not gone to tell that old man about the girl?"
"Well! Of all things! The ridiculous boy!" ejaculated Aunt Lorena. "He might know that Mr. Northrup will be greatly vexed. Why, he hates women!"
"Yes, I am afraid Luke will have a bad time with Neighbor," said Cecile, anxiously.
She was quite right in her supposition. Luke Shepard appeared before the grim old man as the latter sat in his study and, being a perfectly candid youth, he blurted out his news without much preparation. Immediately after shaking hands, and asking after Mr. Northrup's health, he said:
"Neighbor, I've got a great secret to tell you."
"Heh? A secret? What is it? Broke somebody's window, have you?" for his elderly friend often seemed to think Luke still a small boy.
"That wouldn't be a great secret," the young man said quietly. "No. It is the greatest thing that's ever come into my life."