“Ah, how good of you to come, dear Railing. So glad to see you.”
“Winnie told me she’d be at home this afternoon.”
“Of course I didn’t flatter myself that you’d come to see me,” laughed the Canon. “But in point of fact I’ve been wanting to have a little talk with you. It’s a very serious step that you young folks are taking.”
“Then we’re wise to take it with a light heart,” cried Railing, gaily.
“Ha, ha, capital! Now I should have thought you were both very young to be married.”
“I am twenty-eight, sir, and Winnie is twenty-one.”
“You neither of you look it,” murmured the Canon, with an amiable bow.
“Possibly!”
Canon Spratte pulled out the splendid cigarette-case in gold, with initials of diamonds, which a fond admirer had presented to him. He offered it to Railing.
“No, thank you. I never smoke.”