'Yes, it's so; she told me in the train coming up from Leamington.'

Tears glittered in Dick's eyes, and he became in that moment all pity,
kindness, and good-nature.

'Oh, the poor dear! Why didn't she tell me that before? And I'd scolded her
for ill-temper.'

His humanity was as large as his fat, and although he had never thought of
the joys of paternity, now, in the warmth of his sentiments, he melted into
one feeling of rapture. After a pause, he said:

'I think I'd better go back and see her.'

'Yes, I think you'd better; fix a day for your marriage.'

'Of course.'

Nothing further was said; each absorbed in different thoughts the two men
retraced their steps, and when they arrived at the door, Montgomery said:

'I think I'd better wish you good-bye.'

'No, come in, old man; she'd like to see you.'

And as if anxious to torture himself to the last, Montgomery entered. Kate
was still locked in the bedroom, but there was such an unmistakable accent
of trepidation and anxiety in Dick's fingers and voice that she opened
immediately. Her beautiful black hair was undone, and fell in rich masses
about her. Dick took her in his arms, and held her sobbing on his shoulder.