"Kate," interposed her father, sternly, "this is preposterous! I cannot
allow such absurdity;" but Walcott silenced him with a deprecatory wave
of his hand, and, taking Kate's hand in his, replied, with smiling
indifference,-"I accept the condition imposed by Miss Underwood, since it is no more
unique than the entire situation, and I congratulate her upon her
decided originality. I suppose," he added, addressing Kate, at the same
time producing a superb diamond ring, "you will not object to wearing
this?"
"I yield that much to conventionality," she replied, allowing him to
place it on her finger; "there is no need to advertise the situation
publicly; besides, it is a fitting symbol of my future fetters."
"Conventionality, I believe, would require that it be placed on your
hand with a kiss and some appropriate bit of sentiment, but since that
sort of thing is tabooed between us, we will have to dispense with that
part of the ceremony."
Then turning to Mr. Underwood, who stood looking on frowningly, somewhat
troubled by the turn matters had taken, Walcott added, playfully,-"According to the usual custom, I believe the next thing on the
programme is for you to embrace us and give us a father's blessing, but
my lady might not approve of anything so commonplace."
Before her father could reply Kate spoke for him, glancing at him with
an affectionate smile: "Papa is not one of the demonstrative sort, and he and I need no
demonstration of our love for each other; do we, dear?"
"No, child, we understand each other," said her father, reseating
himself, with Kate in her accustomed place on the arm of his chair,
while Walcott took the large chair on the other side of the fire; "and
you neither of you need any assurance of my good wishes or good
intentions towards you; but," he continued, doubtfully, shaking his
head, "I don't quite like the way you've gone about this business,
Puss."
"It was the only way for me, papa," Kate answered, gravely and
decidedly.
"I admit," said Walcott, "it will be quite a departure from the mode of
procedure ordinarily laid down for newly engaged and newly wedded
couples; but really, come to think it over, I am inclined to think that
Miss Underwood's proposition will save us an immense amount of boredom
which is the usual concomitant of engagements and honeymoons. That sort
of thing, you know," he added, his lip curling just perceptibly, "is apt
to get a little monotonous after a while."
Kate, watching him from under level brows, saw the slight sneer and
inwardly rejoiced at the stand she had taken.
"Well," said Mr. Underwood, resignedly, "fix it up between you any way
to suit yourselves; but for heaven's sake, don't do anything to cause
comment or remarks!"