God bless you, my dear! I hope you'll be as happy as the day is long." His niece gazed at him, bewildered and incredulous.

This she had _not_ expected.
"Thank you," she stammered.

"I did not know--I thought--" "Of course you did--of course.

Well, then, Caroline, I guess that's all.
I won't trouble you any longer.

Good-by." He turned toward the door, but stopped, hesitated, and turned back again.
"There is just one thing more," he said solemnly.