no word for what I feel. And to think as my girl kep' it from
me! Yes, yes; there was something on her face; I remember it now. "I'm
just goin' round to have a word with Sidney," I says. "Are you,
father?" she says. "Don't stay too long." And she had a sort o' smile I
couldn't quite understand. 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. I'm a rough old father for such as you, but
nobody'll never love you better than I do, an' always have done. So
he's been faithful to you, for all they said. There ain't a better man
livin'! "It's a long time since I first asked the question," he says,
"but she's give me the right answer at last." And he looks that glad of
it.'

'He does? You're sure he does?'

'Sure? Why, you should a' seen him when I went into the room! There's
nothing more as I wish for now. I only hope I may live a while longer,
to see you forget all your troubles, my dear. He'll make you happy,
will Sidney; he's got a deal more education than anyone else I ever
knew, and you'll suit each other. But you won't forget all about your
old father? You'll let me come an' have a talk with you now and then,
my dear, just you an' me together, you know?'

'I shall love you and be grateful to you always, father You've kept a
warm heart for me all this time.'

'I couldn't do nothing else, Clara; you've always been what