“But Harry is there,” she said.
“I’m under the impression, my love, that he would not be sorry to have a few moments alone with you. I think he has something to say to you.”
“To me, papa?” exclaimed Winnie, a little startled. “What on earth can he want?”
The Canon put his arm affectionately round her waist.
“He will tell you that himself, my love.”
Winnie understood now what her father meant, and a deep blush came over her face. Then a coldness rose in her heart and travelled through every limb of her body. She was afraid and confused.
“But I can’t see him, I don’t want to.”
She shrank away from her father; but he, somewhat amused at this resistance, led her towards the door.
“My dear, you must. I can quite understand that you should feel a certain bashfulness. But he has my full approval.”
“There’s something I must say to you at once, father. I want to explain.”