“May I tell him?” asked Wroxham.
“Yes!”
“Canon Spratte, I want to tell you that Winnie has just promised to be my wife.”
“What!” cried the Canon. “Capital! Capital! My dear fellow, I’m delighted to hear it. You know I couldn’t have wanted a better son-in-law. My dear child!”
He opened his arms and Winnie hid her face on his bosom. He kissed her affectionately, and then with sincere warmth shook hands with Wroxham.
“All’s well that ends well,” he cried. “I knew she was devoted to you, my boy. Trust me for knowing a woman’s character.”
“Papa’s wonderful,” said Winnie, with a laugh, stretching out her hand to Wroxham.
“You’ve made me very happy,” he said.
They discussed the situation for some time, and Canon Spratte was very bland. His wildest hopes had never led him to expect that Winnie would throw herself there and then into Wroxham’s eligible arms; but an occasional glance, partly of amusement, was his only sign of surprise. The young man, promising to return for dinner, went away at last, and Theodore looked at his daughter for an explanation. She stood near a table, and began nervously to turn over the pages of a book. A smile broke on the Canon’s lips, for her embarrassment told him all he wished to know.
“Would it be indiscreet to inquire when you broke off your engagement with Mr. Railing?” he asked.