She heard him draw a long breath. Then he spoke.
"Why—why, yes, of course," he said. "I—I—of course I am. I— you kind of got me by surprise, that's all. . . . I hadn't—hadn't expected it, you see."
"I know. Even Charlie was surprised. But you're glad, for my sake, aren't you, Jed?"
"Eh? . . . Yes, oh, yes! I'm—I'm glad."
"I hope you are. If it were not for poor Charlie's going away and the anxiety about him and his problem I should be very happy— happier than I believed I ever could be again. You're glad of that, aren't you, Jed?"
"Eh? . . . Yes, yes, of course. . . ."
"And you will congratulate me? You like Major Grover? Please say you do."
Jed rose slowly from his chair. He passed a hand in dazed fashion across his forehead.
"Yes," he said, again. "The major's a fine man. . . . I do congratulate you, ma'am."
"Oh, Jed! Not that way. As if you meant it."