"I must understand much better first.

I do not understand why he came to you first.

Why not, if he must come to this house at all--why not to me?
I like the lad; he knows that well enough." He spoke with an admirable dignity, and began to feel more happy in consequence.
She had sat down as he told her, on the other side of the table; but he could not see her face.
"It would have been better if he had, perhaps," she said.

"But--" "Yes?
What 'But' is that ?" Then she faced him, and her eyes were swimming.
"Father, he told me first because he loves me, and because I love him." He sat up.

This was speaking outright what she had only hinted at before.