"Ah, it would be a pity to disappoint them," said the major, while Glynne, in her happy, childlike content, did not notice his tone, but talked on as calmly as if the great event of a woman's life were a most commonplace affair, justifying to the fullest extent her uncle's idea that her heart was quite untouched. They had spent so long over their walk that Sir John had had time to finish his visit to the pigs, and they all reached the park gates together. "Halloa!" he exclaimed, looking inquiringly from one to the other, "so you two have had a good talk. Here, what does your uncle say, my dear?" he continued, with a suspicious tone in his voice. "Uncle? Say?" replied Glynne, opening her beautiful eyes a little wider. "Oh, uncle has said very little, papa. I'm afraid I have done nothing but prattle to him all the time." "What about?" said her father, sharply. "Oh, principally about my engagement," she replied calmly. "Well, and what does he say to it?" said Sir John, half-defiantly. "Uncle thinks it a very serious step." "Yes, of course." "And that I ought to be careful in taking it." "To be sure, my dear, to be sure. Well?" "Well, that was all, papa," she replied. "Lunch must be ready. I'll go in and take off my things. You are coming soon? Oh, here is Robert. I won't stop for fear of keeping you waiting." The captain was some fifty yards away, but Glynne did not stay. She merely waved her hand, and hurried to the front of the house, while her future lord came slowly on, whistling, with his hands in his pockets. "You've not opposed the match, then?" whispered Sir John. "No," said the major, "but I think less of it than ever." "Humph!" ejaculated his brother. "Have you spoken to Rolph yet?" "No. Haven't seen him." "Then, for goodness' sake, drop all prejudice, Jem, and shake hands warmly. You see they are devotedly attached." "No, I don't," said the major, gruffly; "but I'll shake hands." "Yes, do, Jem, do. It's the one desire of my life to see Glynne engaged to a good, manly fellow who cares for her, and, now the opportunity has come, I look to you to help me." "Humph!" ejaculated the major, as Rolph came up, and Sir John struck the iron while it was hot, to use his own form of expression. "Ready for lunch, Rob?" "Awfully," said the captain. "Quite an edge on." "That's right," cried Sir John. "Come along. Oh, look here though," he added, as if upon second thoughts; "I've had no experience before in this sort of thing, and I want to get it over, and go on again as usual. I never do anything without telling the major here." Rolph bowed, and the major returned his salute stiffly. "I've been telling him about you know what, and it's all settled now, so you can shake hands, you know." "Yes; my brother has told me about your proposal," said the major, coldly. "You have won a prize, sir, and I wish you joy."