"Yes, father."
"I had been in communication with her father prior to that; indeed, as you know, we had been friends for years."
He turned to Mr. Inch when he said this, and went on:
"You know Mr. Morton's wish with regard to Ruth, Mr. Inch; he told you before he died all about it?"
"Yes," said Mr. Inch, "and it was mentioned in his will."
I looked again at my mother. There was a stony look upon her face. It was ghastly to see.
"Yes, to be sure," said my father, "it was mentioned in the will. What was his lifelong wish, Roger, was also mine. His desire and mine was, and is, that our families should be united, that you should wed Ruth."
In spite of the tragic circumstances, my heart gave a wild leap for joy! Ruth, my darling, my life, would be mine! It was her father's wish, and she, I was sure, would be faithful to his least desire. I could bear anything now!
"Will you do this, Roger?"
"Gladly, if Ruth will, father," I said huskily.