I took a step forward and laid my hand on Hildred's arm to draw her back. What was my father saying? He looked up at me and did not let go her hand. 'No one has been so faithful to you as he has. Won't you let him bring you home at last?'
Hildred could scarcely have heard the last words. The door closed behind her almost before they were spoken. I did not try to follow her, though she had gone out alone into the storm. I saw her put her hands over her face as she went out, to hide her tears.
'Father, what have you done?'
He had taken up his pipe and was lighting it slowly. It seemed strange that he should look at me so quietly in my great doubt and pain.
'No harm, lad, no harm. I should be glad to see you comfortable with her before I die.'
'Comfortable! With Hildred!'
'Ay, with my little Hildred. She's a good girl, and she'd make a good wife. Besides, I've always said as how it's lonesome without a woman about the house.'
I tried to speak quietly. 'Were you talking about me when I came home?'
The pipe was alight now. He never could be got to talk when he was smoking. He just answered 'Yes,' and no more.
'You didn't tell her all I once told you?'