"I knew it all the time and your mother and I have been prepared for this occasion."
"But who told you?" Her eyes opened full and round in genuine wonder. Here was one surprise after the other.
"There was no need of any one telling me. I have been watching the pair of you, and sensed what the outcome would be some little while ago."
"But, Daddy. How should you know?"
He laughed outright.
"There! There! We are satisfied quite, I can assure you. I know what you are about to say; and your mother knows it too."
"But I have not yet told her. I meant to tell her today but did not. Then I thought of telling you and of whispering the whole story to her after we were upstairs."
She was serious, very serious, absorbed for the most part in her story although her mind was clouded with amazement at the want of surprise which was manifested. Her innocent mind apparently was unable for the time being to fathom the intricacies of this plot which seemed to be laid bare to every one concerned save her own self.
"Of course you will tell her, but you will find that she will consent to the proposal."
"What proposal?"