"Oh, papa, papa, it only needed that! To think that any one's influence can
make my father doubt my affection for him, after all these years of duty
and obedience!"
Mr. Granger muttered something about "duty," which was the very reverse of
a blessing, and walked out of the room, leaving Sophia to her tears.
* * * * *
CHAPTER XXV.
WEDDING BELLS.
There was no reason why the marriage should not take place very soon. Mr.
Granger said so; Mr. Lovel agreed with him, half reluctantly as it were,
and with the air of a man who is far from eager to precipitate events.
There was no imaginable reason for delay.
Upon this point Mr. and Mrs. Oliver were as strong as Daniel Granger
himself. A union in every way so propitious could not be too speedily made
secure. Matthew Oliver was full of demonstrative congratulation now when he
dined at Mill Cottage.
"Who would have guessed when I brought you home from the station that
morning, and we drove through the park, that you were going to be mistress
of it so soon, Clary?" he exclaimed triumphantly. "Do you remember crying
when you heard the place was sold? I do, poor child; I can see your piteous
face at this moment. And now it is going to be yours again. Upon my word,
Providence has been very good to you, Clarissa."
Providence had been very good to her. They all told her the same story.
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