The widow presently retired to her chamber, under the plea of nervous agitation, but in reality to inform her daughter of her engagement. But it was reserved for Septimus to perform that pleasant duty. Scarcely had Mrs Fraser retired, when Blanche appeared on the terrace. ‘Have you seen mamma, Mr Redgrave?’
‘Mrs Fraser has this moment left me.—Blanche, I have a favour to ask of you.’
‘Of me!’
‘That you will not breathe a syllable to your mamma that I proposed to you three days ago; at least, not for the present.’
‘Certainly, Mr Redgrave.’
‘You will at once see the necessity for my request, when I tell you that I have this day proposed to another lady and been accepted.’
Blanche indulged in a merry peal of laughter, which she found it impossible to repress. ‘Pray, forgive me, Mr Redgrave. I congratulate you that you have so speedily recovered from your late rejection.’
‘Yes, Blanche, as I could not be your husband, I have resolved on being your father.’
Blanche remained petrified with astonishment for a few seconds, then exclaiming: ‘I must go at once to dear mamma and congratulate her,’ prepared to enter the house.
But Septimus seized her hand and said: ‘Now, tell me the name of your future partner. Though I shrewdly suspect, yet I think in my new position as your father I am entitled to know for certain?’