"It's not for me to say, Richmond," replied Mrs. Parsons, smiling contentedly.
"Do you want me to get married very much, father?"
"Of course I do. I've set my heart upon it. I want to see what the new generations of Parsons are like before I die."
"Listen, Richmond, Jamie has something to tell us."
Mrs. Parsons had been looking at her son, and was struck at last by the agony of his expression.
"What is it, Jamie?" she asked.
"I'm afraid you'll be dreadfully disappointed. I'm so sorry—Mary and I are no longer engaged to be married."
For a minute there was silence in the room. The old Colonel looked helplessly from wife to son.
"What does he mean, Frances?" he said at last.
Mrs. Parsons did not answer, and he turned to James.