For the moment his old love of life seemed to clutch him fast, and Ida Slome's radiant visage seemed to pale.
"Oh, father," pleaded Maria.

"Aunt Maria would marry you, and I would a great deal rather have her." "Nonsense," said Harry Edgham, laughing, with a glance towards the door.
"Yes, she would, father; that was the reason she got her pompadour." Harry laughed again, but softly, for he was afraid of Aunt Maria overhearing.

"Nonsense, dear," he said again.

Then he kissed Maria in a final sort of way.

"It will be all for the best," he said, "and we shall all be happier.