Why, yes, it's been a bad time and we're
a-getting old, but there, that's how it is, the sky almost allus
clears toward night-fall. God Almighty hev a mind to let one down
easy, I suppose."
"If you would talk a little less about your Maker, and come to church
a little more, it would be a good thing, as I've told you before,"
said the Squire; "but there, go along with you."
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.
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