AtisusT 36, isH.
— • was a mercy she did not set tire to my uncle, or to herself, or to the house. "Oh, Mr Strangways" "Joseph! Let me hear you say Joseph !" " Joseph, then. I'm that bewildered I hardly know where I am." " You're in my house — your own house; and you're mine. You shan't regret it. You shall be a happy woman. Take away those boxes. No — you're not strong enough. Take off the cords, at any rate. Cut them, I can't bear to see them. And you stay here, mind ; no going to your married niece at Brixton. Bother your married niece at Brixton, and God bless you !" And my uncle went up- stairs to bed, tremulously, perhaps, but still with a good show of activity. Half-way up he paused, not so much for rest or to gain breath as to look over the banisters, and smile and nod further adieux to the lady who was to be the future Mrs Strangways.
He was no more to be regarded by him self or by others as a confirmed bachelor ; he was now an engaged man. " Better late than never," he murmured.
The engagement was to be kept a secret ; but, like the majority of secrets, it came to be shared by a good many. Nobody affected surprise at the news, which but confirmed general anticipation ; and few, I'm bound to add, expressed approval of Mr Strangways' preceedings.
