She stifled her sobs long enough to murmur:
“Oh, I’ve nothing to reproach him with, except——”
“There, there, now, little girl, go on.”
She turned admiring eyes upon her father.
“Except that he isn’t a man like you.”
“You’re absurd, Margaret.” But she began to explain herself further as she grew more calm.
“I don’t know why I’m crying. I ought to be happy. Have I not always been happy here? My childhood comes back to me, with all its joys and sunlight. And I feel quite sorrowful at the thought of going away.”
He comforted her seriously.
“Don’t look backward, Margaret. Let your mother and me do I that. You must think of your woman’s life to come. Prepare yourself for your future, and be strong.”
She tried to smile.