And the honest fellow went.

CHAPTER XLIV

CHRISTMAS CHIMES

The Squire turned and entered the house.  He generally was fairly noisy in his movements, but on this occasion he was exceptionally so.  Possibly he had a reason for it.

On reaching the vestibule he found Harold and Ida standing side by side as though they were being drilled.  It was impossible to resist the conclusion that they had suddenly assumed that attitude because it happened to be the first position into which they could conveniently fall.

There was a moment’s silence, then Harold took Ida’s hand and led her up to where her father was standing.

“Mr. de la Molle,” he said simply, “once more I ask you for your daughter in marriage.  I am quite aware of my many disqualifications, especially those of my age and the smallness of my means; but Ida and myself hope and believe that under all the circumstances you will no longer withhold your consent,” and he paused.

“Quaritch,” answered the Squire, “I have already in your presence told Mr. Cossey under what circumstances I was favourably inclined to his proposal, so I need not repeat all that.  As regards your means, although they would have been quite insufficient to avert the ruin which threatened us, still you have, I believe, a competence, and owing to your wonderful and most providential discovery the fear of ruin seems to have passed away.  It is owing to you that this discovery, which by the way I want to hear all about, has been made; had it not been for you it never would have been made at all, and therefore I certainly have no right to say anything more about your means.  As to your age, well, after all forty-four is not the limit of life, and if Ida does not object to marrying a man of those years, I cannot object to her doing so.  With reference to your want of occupation, I think that if you marry Ida this place will, as times are, keep your hands pretty full, especially when you have an obstinate donkey like that fellow George to deal with.  I am getting too old and stupid to look after it myself, and besides things are so topsy-turvy that I can’t understand them.  There is one thing more that I want to say:  I forbade you the house.  Well, you are a generous-minded man, and it is human to err, so I think that perhaps you will understand my action and not bear me a grudge on that account.  Also, I dare say that at the time, and possibly at other times, I said things I should be sorry for if I could remember what they were, which I can’t, and if so, I apologise to you as a gentleman ought when he finds himself in the wrong.  And so I say God bless you both, and I hope you will be happy in life together; and now come here, Ida, my love, and give me a kiss.  You have been a good daughter all your life, and so Quaritch may be sure that you will be a good wife too.”

Ida did as she was bid.  Then she went over to her lover and took him by his hand, and he kissed her on the forehead.  And thus after all their troubles they finally ratified the contract.