"
Jack, on the contrary, was rather more cautious in his
congratulations. "I am all for things being fixed up as people
like," he said, "and I am sure it's a good match for Maud, and all
that. But I can't put the two ends together. I never supposed that
you would fall in love, any more than that my father would marry
again; and when it comes to your falling in love with Maud--well,
if you knew that girl as I do, you would think twice! I can't
conceive what you will ever have to talk about, unless you make her
do essays. It is really rather embarrassing to have a Don for a
brother-in-law. I feel as if I should have to say 'we' when I
talked to the other Dons, and I shall be regarded with suspicion by
the rest of the men. But of course you have my blessing, if you
will do it; though if you like to cry off, even now, I will try to
keep the peace. I feel rather an ass to have said that about Fred
Guthrie; but of course he is hard hit, and I can't think how I
shall ever be able to look him in the face. What bothers me is that
I never saw how things were going. Well, may it be long before I
find myself in the same position! But you are welcome to Missy, if
you think you can make anything of her."
Mrs. Graves did little more than express her delight. "It was what
I somehow hoped from the first for both of you," she said.
"Well," said Howard, "the only thing that puzzles me is that when
you saw--yes, I am sure you saw--what was happening, you didn't
make a sign.
Pages:
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218