"Oh, I'm not really thinking of going. I feel that I must stay a little while longer to see Viola settled in life."
"What do you mean by that? Do you mean married, and happy, or do you mean given over entirely to the trance?"
"I suppose she ought to marry—she is very unhappy as she is."
"Now, that is what I especially wanted to talk with you about. I have decided to ask your daughter to put herself into my hands, and I hope you will give your consent."
"I shall be glad to have you take charge of her, professor, and father, I know, is anxious to have you head the committee."
"Oh, I don't mean that! I mean something much more intimate, much more important." This brought him face to face with himself and the decision over which he had agonized for so long, and for an instant he hesitated, then took the plunge bravely. "I love your daughter, Mrs. Lambert, and I want your permission to tell her so."
She drew back into her chair with a gasp of surprise and a look of alarm.
"Oh, I didn't understand! I thought you meant—I don't know—I—" She was utterly at a loss for words, but he understood her.
"Your hesitation is not flattering to me. I hope you don't absolutely distrust me."
Her embarrassment was pitiful. "Oh no, indeed! But you are a sceptic. You don't believe in us—in her."