Winnie, though her heart beat almost painfully, was regaining courage. The thought of Bertram strengthened her, and she was glad to fight the first battle on his behalf.
“You perceive, Sophia, that I was not consulted in this.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Theodore.”
Winnie took her father’s hand, trying to persuade him. She felt that if it was only possible to make him comprehend how enormously the whole thing mattered to her, he would surely withdraw his opposition. He was angry because he could not see that to her it was an affair of life and death.
“Oh, don’t you understand, father? You can’t imagine what he’s done for me. He’s taught me everything I know, he’s made me what I am.”
“How long have you enjoyed the privilege of his acquaintance?” asked the Canon, satirically. “Six weeks?”
“I was a fool,” said Winnie, speaking very quickly, with flushed cheeks. “I was just the same as any other girl, vain and empty-headed. I was happy for a week if I got a hat that became me. And then I met him and everything was changed. He found me a foolish doll, and he’s made me into a woman. I’m ashamed of what I was. I’m proud now, and so grateful to him. He’s the first real man I’ve ever known.”
Canon Spratte shook his head contemptuously.
“I should like to know what you find in him that you cannot find in Wroxham or in—or in your father.”
“I don’t love Harry Wroxham.”