"I suppose I should be grateful," I said, "but the idea of going to
the ducal dinner fills me with rage."
"Let's be ill, and dine together."
"I can't, I've given my word. And then there's Dad; he feels now
that all the prophecies he has uttered in regard to your mother have
at last come true. It's only my wicked pride that's talking, dear.
Please don't pay any attention to it."
And then Blakely said one of the sweetest things he ever said to me.
Of course, it wasn't true but it made me so happy. "Dearest," he
said "everything I should love best to be, you are."
Before dressing for dinner, Dad came to my room "to talk things
over," as he put it. He was so superbly satisfied with himself and
the world, I could hardly forbear a smile.
"Naturally, I should be the last person to say 'I told you so',
Elizabeth, but you see what patience has done. It is always best to
be patient, my child."
"Yes, Dad." "Blakely's mother has acted very handsomely toward us,
considering--"
"Very handsomely, CONSIDERING," I agreed.
"And we must try to meet her half way." "Yes, Dad."
"No doubt she had her reasons for behaving as she did."
"I'm sure of it."
"You see, my dear, I've understood the situation from the very
first.
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