Vaughan. And to tell you also, Rowan. You know that I finish
college this year; she does also. We came to an understanding
yesterday afternoon and I wish you both to know it at once. We
expect to be married in the autumn as soon as I am of age and a man
in my own right. Mother, Pansy is coming to see you; and Rowan, I
hope you will go to see Pansy. Both of you will like her and be
proud of her when you know her."

He rose as though he had rounded his communication to a perfect
shape. "Now I must get to my work. Good morning," and with a
smile for each he walked quietly out of the room. He knew that he
could not expect their congratulations at that moment and that
further conference would be awkward for all. He could merely tell
them the truth and leave the rest to the argument of time.


"But I cannot believe it, Rowan! I cannot!"

Mrs. Meredith sat regarding' her elder son with incredulity and
distress. The shock of the news was for certain reasons even
greater to him; so that he could not yet command himself
sufficiently to comfort her. After a few moments she resumed: "I
did not know that Dent had begun to think about girls. He never
said so. He has never cared for society. He has seemed absorbed
in his studies. And now--Dent in love. Dent engaged, Dent to be
married in the autumn--why, Rowan, am I dreaming, am I in my
senses? And to this girl! She has entrapped him--poor, innocent,
unsuspecting Dent! My poor, little, short-sighted bookworm."
Tears sprang to her eyes, but she laughed also. She had a mother's
hope that this trouble would turn to comedy. She went on quickly: