"Do I intrude?" he asked. "Are you busy? Are your letters very important this morning? If so—"
"Not important at all. Come in, Victor. I have been wishing to speak to you of the invitations for next week's ball. Is it concerning the driving-party this afternoon you want to speak?"
"No, my dear aunt; something very much pleasanter than all the driving-parties in the world; something much more important to me."
She looked at him more closely. His face was flushed, his eyes bright, a happy smile was on his lips. He had the look of a man to whom some great good fortune had suddenly come.
"Agreeably important, then, I am sure, judging by your looks. What a radiant face the lad has!"
"I have reason to look radiant. Congratulate me, Aunt Helena; I am the happiest man the wide earth holds."
"My dear Victor!"
"Cannot you guess?" he said, still smiling; "I always thought female relatives were particularly sharp-sighted in these matters. Must I really tell you? Have you no suspicions of my errand here?"
"I have not, indeed;" but she sat erect, and her fresh-colored, handsome old face grew pale. "Victor, what is it? Pray speak out."
"Very well. Congratulate me once more; I am going to be married."