Page:Hilda Wade (1900).pdf/78

'We are all unworthy of a good woman's love,' I answered. 'But, thank Heaven, the good women don't seem to realise it.'

That evening, about ten, my new friend came back in a hurry to my rooms at St. Nathaniel's. Nurse Wade was standing there, giving her report for the night, when he entered. His face looked some inches shorter and broader than usual. His eyes beamed. His mouth was radiant.

'Well, you won't believe it, Dr. Cumberledge,' he began, 'but———'

'Yes, I do believe it,' I answered. 'I know it. I have read it already.'

'Read it!' he cried. 'Where?'

I waved my hand towards his face. 'In a special edition of the evening papers,' I answered, smiling. 'Daphne has accepted you!'

He sank into an easy-chair, beside himself with rapture. 'Yes, yes that angel! thanks to you, she has accepted me!'

'Thanks to Miss Wade,' I said, correcting him. 'It is really all 'her' doing. If 'she' had not seen through the photograph to the face, and through the face to the woman and the base little heart of her, we might never have found her out.'

He turned to Hilda, with eyes all gratitude. 'You have given me the dearest and best girl on earth,' he cried, seizing both her hands.

'And I have given Daphne a husband who will love and appreciate her,' Hilda answered, flushing.

'You see,' I said, maliciously: 'I told you they never find us out, Holsworthy!'

As for Reggie Nettlecraft and his wife, I should like to add that they are getting on quite as well as could be expected. Reggie has joined his Sissie on the music-hall