"Yours devotedly,
"John Kynaston."
"Oh! Vera, my darling sister, I am so glad!" cries Marion, in tearful delight, throwing her arms up round the neck of the young sister, who is so much taller than she is; "I had guessed it, dearest; I saw he was in love with you; and oh, Vera, I shall have you always near me!"
"Yes, that will be nice," assents Vera, quietly, and a trifle absently, stroking her sister's cheek, with her eyes still fixed on the fire; "and of course," rousing herself with an effort, "of course I am a very lucky woman."
And then Mr. Daintree came in, and his wife rushed to him rapturously to impart the joyful news. There was a little pleasant confusion of broken words and explanations between the three, and then Marion whisked away, brimming over with triumphant delight to wave the flags of victory exultingly in her mother-in-law's face.
Eustace Daintree and Vera were alone. He took her hands within his, and looked steadfastly in her face.
"Vera, are you sure of yourself, my dear, in this matter?"
Her eyes met his for a moment, and then fell before his earnest gaze. She coloured a little.
"I am quite sure that I mean to accept Sir John's proposal," she said, with a little uneasy laugh.
"Child, do you love him?"