This was what Mr. Ash said as he entered the room. He had caught Miss Truscott's words, but misapplied their meaning. He advanced towards Mr. Ely with beaming countenance.
"I congratulate you, Ely; I do with all my heart. Who was right about the little misunderstanding, now? Did I not tell you that there was a romantic side about the feminine character with which you were unacquainted, a sort of airy nothing which is a source of continual perplexity to the most experienced man. And wasn't it worth it all for the sake of the reconciliation at the end?"
Mr. Ely gasped.
"This--this is the final straw!"
"Ah, my boy, I know more about a woman than you. We old bachelors are not quite blind, after all."
It was with difficulty that Mr. Ely obtained sufficient self-control to enable him to speak.
"Do I understand that you are offering me your congratulations?"
"Certainly! I congratulate you with all my heart, my boy."
Mr. Ash held out his hand. Mr. Ely ignored it. He did more. He looked as though he would have liked to have spurned it from him. He eyed Mr. Ash with withering scorn.
"I'm a fit subject for congratulations. I'm the happiest man alive. I suppose there's no man in England who has more cause to bless his stars than I have."