'Being worshipped and fêted in this way.'
'I find it very pleasant,' I demurely replied.
'You will not for long, Mary.'
'Do you think I am not capable of appreciating rest and peace then?'
He smiled. 'I give you six months.'
'And yet you were as urgent as the rest about my giving up work,' I said.
'Yes; I wanted to see you in an independent position, and so to ascertain if certain theories of mine are correct.'
'Uncle Robert, is it true? Phil says he heard mamma tell papa that she did not despair of your marrying Aunt Mary even now. Is it true—really?'
I saw a swift flush pass over his face, and an expression in his eyes which I had only once seen there before, as they turned for a moment upon me. Then after a few moments he said, in a low husky voice: 'Ask auntie!'
Robert Wentworth had never married, and I cannot affect to be ignorant of the cause; but in all the long years that have passed he has spoken no word of love to me. Now the child's words had stirred the depths of his nature, and shewn me that time has worked no change in him.