Carroll waited.
“I am never going to leave you, papa,” said Charlotte, “and I love you just as much. I love you just as much as I do—him, only, of course, it is different. You needn't think I don't. There is nobody like you. But he—if you don't mind, papa, I think I will marry Mr. Anderson sometime, the way Ina did Major Arms.”
Carroll did not speak for a moment. He continued looking at her with an expression made up of various emotions—trouble, relief, shame.
“He is a very good man,” said Charlotte, in a half-defensive tone. “He is the best man I ever saw, except you, papa.”
Carroll bent down and kissed her. “You are very sure you love him, are you, dear?” he said.
“Why, papa, of course I am! I never could see how Ina could love Major Arms enough to marry him, but I can see how anybody could be glad to marry Mr. Anderson.”
“Then I am very glad, sweetheart,” Carroll said, with a curious quietness, almost weariness.
“His mother is lovely, too,” said Charlotte.
“That is nice, dear, for I suppose you will live with them.”
“When Amy and the others come back,” said Charlotte. “I am not ever going to leave you, papa. You know it, don't you?”