“Do you realize,” inquired Mr. Lambert, throwing himself back in his chair, “that you are the fourth or fifth cousin of my wife? That you are, in fact, the legal heir—or can be made so by her consent and yours—to this famous establishment. That, in a word sir,” cried Mr. Lambert, growing almost too excited to speak distinctly, “if you show aptitude, and willingness to fit yourself to carry on this business, I shall withdraw all my objections to you—I will accept you as a son-in-law—Embrace one another, my children! Bless you a thousand times! Ah, Heavens! Gertrude!” And almost apoplectic with excitement, Mr. Lambert sprang up, and actually cutting a caper, flew to the door to call his wife.
As a matter of fact, he had not far to look; for his roars and bellows had brought his entire family down to the hall outside the dining-room door, Jane having informed her mother of the probable nature of the scene going on within, and a natural concern for the well-being of the two victims having stirred their sympathy and anxiety.
“Come in! Come in!” cried Mr. Lambert, throwing the door wide. “Gertrude, my dear, embrace me!” and he promptly hugged his startled wife. “Jane, kiss your dear sister. Gertrude, salute your son—”
“But w-what—”
“What? What? You ask what? He has been found!” Then suddenly, Mr. Lambert remembering that actually Hyacinth had not consented to the conditions of his acceptance at all, turned upon him abruptly.
“I presume, sir, that I am right in believing that you are willing to lay aside all other interests, and—”
Then seeing Hyacinth and Elise standing by the window, evidently quite oblivious to his oration, he smiled with positive benevolence.
“I have found a Winkler, my dear wife,” he said. “And this time, I believe,” with a playful glance in the direction of the two at the window, “a Winkler who—”
“Who will stay put,” finished Jane.
There was no need for much explanation, Mr. Lambert’s tones during the interview having been of such a quality that not only the entire household might have heard him, but the neighbors into the bargain.