The Marquis looked at his wife, who was sitting on the sofa.
When she smiled at him, he answered.
“I have come home, Oleta my dearest, with some very exciting news.”
“Exciting, Papa?” she enquired at once. “What has happened?”
“Something quite unexpected,” the Marquis replied. “As I have just been telling your mother, it has taken me completely by surprise. But it is definitely something that has delighted us both.”
“It does sound exciting, Papa,” Oleta said. “Do tell me what it is.”
The Marquis paused and she felt that her father was thinking about what he should say.
It was, however, very unlike him to hesitate and she added,
“I am waiting, Papa. You cannot keep any secrets from me.”
“I would not do that,” the Marquis replied, “and I will therefore tell you, my dearest daug
