And then Blakely said one of the sweetest things he ever said to me.
Of course, it wasn't true but it made me so happy. "Dearest," he
said "everything I should love best to be, you are."

Before dressing for dinner, Dad came to my room "to talk things
over," as he put it. He was so superbly satisfied with himself and
the world, I could hardly forbear a smile.

"Naturally, I should be the last person to say 'I told you so',
Elizabeth, but you see what patience has done. It is always best to
be patient, my child."

"Yes, Dad." "Blakely's mother has acted very handsomely toward us,
considering--"

"Very handsomely, CONSIDERING," I agreed.

"And we must try to meet her half way." "Yes, Dad."

"No doubt she had her reasons for behaving as she did."

"I'm sure of it."

"You see, my dear, I've understood the situation from the very
first."

"You sweet old simpleton, of course you have! But here it is half
past seven, and you haven't begun to dress. Be off with you."

Although, at first, I had felt it would be all but impossible for me