Any news of Netta--' 'Don't name that girl to me, sir, or I'll horsewhip you!' 'May I open the letter, father ?' 'Do as you will, but don't let me see it.

The deceitful up-start! the pompous fool! the--the--' Owen waited for no more epithets but ran into the house, and stumbling upon Gladys in the passage, told her to come and see what the letter contained.

When he opened the outer envelope and took out the beautiful little glossy note with its silver border and white seal, stamped with a small crest of an eagle, he burst out laughing.
'Cards, by jingo!' he exclaimed.
'Oh, Mr Owen, just let me cut round the neat little seal.

I am sure your mother would like to see it,' said Gladys, joining involuntarily in the laugh, and taking a pair of scissors out of her pocket.
The seal was cut, and two cards were taken out, silver-lettered and silver-bordered, showing that Netta was now Mrs Howel Jenkins.
Gladys ran off with them without asking any questions, followed by Owen.
They found Mrs Prothero crying, as she usually was when left alone.
'I hope we have good news, ma'am,' said Gladys.
'All right, mother.

Cheer up! Netta is married at any rate,' cried Owen.
'Thank God!' said Mrs Prothero, taking the cards and pressing them to her lips.