I need not trouble you by telling you how it came about.

I married her against my father's wish; he was in Italy at the time for his health--he had been there indeed for some years.

I married her privately; our secret was well kept.

Some time after our marriage I received a telegram stating that my father was dying and wished to see me.

At that very time we were expecting the birth of what we hoped would be a son and heir.
But I was anxious that my father should see and bless my wife before he died.