As it was I could scarcely speak; I gave your mother the letter, and when she had read it and your father and your sister had read it, I asked them what I was to do.
"It was so strange and still there under the pergola; and I scarcely knew what I was saying--and I didn't realise that there were tears in my eyes--until I saw them in your mother's, too.
"Louis! Louis! I wonder if she can really ever care for me!--she was so good--so sweet to me....

And Mrs.Collis took me away to her own room--after your father had shaken hands with me--very stiffly but I think kindly--and I behaved very badly, dear--and your sister let me cry--all that I needed to." She said nothing more for a while, resting in his arms, dark eyes fixed on space.

Then: "They asked me to remain; your brother-in-law is a dear!--but I still had a long day of self-examination before me.

Your father and mother walked with me to the gate.

Your mother kissed me." His eyes, blinded by tears, scarcely saw her; and she turned her head and smiled at him.
"What they said to me was _very_ sweet and patient, Louis....