“I imagine that we shall all have enough to do if there is to be a wedding,” said Mr. Huntress, smiling, “for mother and I want to marry our only daughter off in good shape, you know. There, that is all just now; you may go and find out how Gladys feels about it.”
Geoffrey departed with a bounding heart, yet hardly able to realize the good fortune that had so unexpectedly fallen to his lot.
He found Gladys in the music-room, running through some new pieces which he had purchased for her the day before.
He went up to her, captured the two small hands that were evoking such sweet strains from the piano, and drew her to a small sofa that stood near.
“My darling, I have a very important communication to make to you,” be said, bending toward her and fondly touching her forehead with his lips.
“‘Very important?’” she repeated, archly. “You look as if it was very pleasant, too.”
“It is to me, and I hope it will prove the same to you. What do you suppose our paterfamilias has been proposing to me this morning?” the young man asked, with a luminous face.
The beautiful girl thought a moment before replying, the quick color leaping to her cheeks.
“I believe I can guess it!” she exclaimed, clasping her hands with a gesture of delight. “Oh, Geoffrey, is he going to take us all to Europe? That is it!” she added, exultantly. “I know by your tell-tale face. How perfectly charming!”
Geoffrey smiled wisely.