lf," Wilfrid said penitently; "but you
believe that I am awfully glad, don't you? I was disappointed about Bob,
but then, you see, I never thought about you. Why, you must know, Mr.
Atherton, what I think of you and how I care for you, and how I look up
to you. Somehow it never seemed possible to me that a man like you could
fall in love."

"And much more improbable still, Wilfrid, that your sister would fall in
love with me. I understand you, lad. We have been very close friends for
the last three years, haven't we? I have been something like a very big
and very old brother to you, and now we are going to be brothers in
earnest;" and their hands closed in a grip that spoke volumes for the
sincerity and depth of their feelings. Then Wilfrid ran into the house
and threw his arms round his sister.

"I have been an awful fool, Marion," he said; "but you see, I never
dreamt of this."

"And you are really pleased, Wilfrid?"

"Pleased! I am delighted. Why, you know, I think he is the finest fellow
in the world; and has he not done everything for us, and stood by me
and nursed me, and carried me for miles, and saved mother's life and
mine? But it never entered my mind that you had fallen in love with each
other."

"I do not know why it shouldn't, Wilfrid. Why shouldn't I think as much
of him as you do?"

"I do not know, I am sure, Marion; but I confess I never did think of
it. Did you, mother?"

"Once or twice, Wilfrid. About a year ago it did cross my mind once or
twice, but that was all. They say mothers are keen-sighted as far as
their daughters are concerned; but either I am less keen-sighted than
mothers in general, or Marion is deeper than other girls."

"Well, mother, we shall have lots of time to talk this over," Wilfrid
said. "Dinner has been waiting nearly an hour, and even this wonderful
business cannot have taken away all our appetites. Everything is ready;
shall I call them in?" Wilfrid had, however, still a few minutes to
wait, for the two men were engaged in earnest conversation outside.

When they came in at last Mr. Renshaw kissed his daughter fondly. "God
bless you, my child!" he said. "You have made a wise choice indeed, and
I am sure that you will be a very happy woman."

It was a quiet meal, for all were too happy to talk much. After it was
over the two men strolled out together and renewed their conversation,
and Mr. Renshaw presently called to his wife to join them. Marion had
gone to her ro