"How good of him!" said Fanny. She was about to say something else, but she stopped.
"That's my good news," continued Leavesley. "What's yours?"
"Mine? Oh—just think! Father's engaged to be married."
"To be married?"
"Yes, to a Miss Pursehouse; she's awfully rich."
He did not for a moment grasp the importance of this piece of intelligence. Then it broke on him. Now that Fanny's father was provided for, she would be free to marry any one she liked.
* * * * *
"I was nearly heart-broken," mumbled Leavesley into Fanny's hair—they were seated on the couch—"when you didn't reply."
"The letter was on the kitchen dresser all the time," replied Fanny in a happy and dreamy voice, "behind a plate."
"And then when old Verneede called, and you seemed so indifferent—at least, he said you did."