“Who gave it to me? It’s my engagement ring. Harry and I settled everything last night.”
“Harry?”
“I’m going to marry Harry Bent. You surely must have expected it. That’s why you are not to talk about anything unpleasant or ugly to-day. If you do, it’ll make me wretched, and I don’t want to 57 be wretched. I’m going to have a lovely time for always and always.”
“God grant it,” murmured the rector, with fervor; “but don’t forget that life has its responsibilities and its dull patches; don’t expect too much, my little girl. The rosy dawn doesn’t always maintain its promise. But we mustn’t begin the Sunday sermon to-day, eh, Persian? And now, run away, for I must be quiet to think over what you have told me. It’s a surprise, dear child, but, if it means your happiness, it’s a glad surprise. By-the-bye, you’re quite sure you’re in love, little girl?”
“Silly old daddy, of course I am. He’s an awfully good boy, and, when his uncle dies, he’ll be immensely rich. It’s a splendid match, and you ought to be very pleased about it. Ah, here’s mother!” she cried, scrambling to her feet as Mrs. Swinton, dressed for driving in a perfect costume of blue, entered the study. “Now, you can both talk about it instead of your horrid money,” and, throwing a kiss lightly to her father, she tripped out of the room.
“You don’t look well, Mary,” exclaimed the rector anxiously, as his wife sank down into a chair by the fire. “Another headache?” He rested his hand lovingly on her shoulder. “You are overdoing it, dearest. You must slow down and live the normal, dull life of a clergyman’s wife.”
“Don’t, Jack, don’t! I’m frightfully worried. 58 What was it you and Netty were talking about?”
“Ah, what indeed! The child tells me she is engaged to Harry Bent, and that you know all about it.”
“Yes. I’ve seen that he wanted her for months past; and she likes him, after a fashion. She’ll never marry for love—never love anybody better than herself, I fear; and, since he’s quite willing to give more than he receives, I see nothing against their engagement, except—except our dreadful financial position.”
Mrs. Swinton spoke wearily. “We will discuss Netty later,” she continued, “for I have something of the utmost importance to talk over with you. I must have a thousand dollars by Friday, and, if you haven’t sent off that check to the builder of the Mission Hall, you must let it stand over. No, no, don’t shake your head like that. I only want the money for a day or so, until I can see father, and get another check from him. But, in the meantime, I must have the money. It means dreadful trouble, if I can’t have it.”