She'll be a good wife to you,
Sidney. Her heart's softened to all as she used to care for. She'll
be a good and faithful wife to you as long as she lives. But I must
go back home and speak to her. There ain't a man livin', let him be
as rich as he may, that feels such happiness as you've given me
to-night.'
He went stumbling down the stairs, and walked homewards at a great
speed, so that when he reached the Buildings he had to wipe his face
and stand for a moment before beginning the ascent. The children
were at their home lessons; he astonished them by flinging his hat
mirthfully on to the table.
'Now then, father!' cried young Tom, the eight-year-old, whose pen
was knocked out of his hand.
With a chuckle John advanced to Clara's room. As he closed the door
behind him she rose. His face was mottled; there were tear-stains
about his eyes, and he had a wild, breathless look.
'An' you never told me! You let me go without half a word!'
Clara put her hands upon his shoulders and kissed him. 'I didn't
quite know whether it was true or not, father.'
'My darling! My dear girl! Come an' sit on my knee, like you used to
when you was a little 'un.
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