'Father,' said Winefred, 'will you come through the gate into the garden? I should like to have some talk with you.'
'Oh, yes! indeed, indeed this is surprising. I trust no one overheard you. Unexpected felicity, astounding encounter.'
'I saw you some days ago, as I was driving down Pulteney Street.'
'You were driving! How come you here? No, do not answer till I see that we are not overheard. Is there any one else in the garden? Were you in company? I should not like—I mean I should prefer——'
Winefred drew him within and shut the gate.
'I do not see why, father, you should be surprised to see me. It was your wish that I should be brought up as a lady, and if you did not choose Mrs. Tomkin-Jones's house for me——'
'I—I do not understand.'
'You provided the money; otherwise, of course, my darling mother could not have afforded this.'
'I—I provided the money! Oh, yes, certainly, certainly, and with the utmost regularity, and I shall continue to do so. But I did not anticipate——'
'It was all arranged by dear Mrs. Jose.'