Hall looked at her curiously for a moment. He felt certain her father had not spoken to her, and attributed her agitation to any but the true cause.
"I am glad, Kate—I may call you Kate?" She bowed but did not look at him. "I am glad indeed! For I love you, Kate, as I never believed man could love woman!"
There was sincerity in the simple words and in the tone of his voice. He came over slowly—he felt half afraid of her now—and pressed his lips to her forehead just as Mr. Stafford entered.
"Mr. Stafford, I am happy to be able to tell you Kate has relented. She has consented to be mine!"
There was a ring of genuine pride and exultation in Hall's voice and—well, everybody loves a lover, and notwithstanding an unpleasant remembrance of the previous night, Mr. Stafford said heartily:
"Well, my boy, I'm glad you are out of your agony," adding in a jesting tone which caused Kate to shudder, "Has the day been fixed?"
"Not yet, but it might as well be done now! Come Kate! Name the day!"
By way of reply Kate fell back on a sofa. The strain was too great and she had fainted. Hastily summoning Mrs. Stafford the men adjourned to Hall's rooms. Both were honestly surprised at Kate's agitation.
"Had you spoken to her?" asked Hall.
"No, I have not. I had intended to, but it seems to be unnecessary."