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The four chatted together for some time on indifferent topics; then Mrs.
Lester found some excuse for leaving the room, and Mrs. Travilla seized the opportunity to pour out her thanks to Elsie's rescuer from a watery grave.
This made a favorable opening for Lester, and modestly disclaiming any right to credit for what he had done, he frankly told the parents all that was in his heart toward their daughter, why he had refrained from speaking before, and his purpose not to seek to win her until he could bring fame and fortune to lay at her feet.
He began in almost painful confusion, but something in the faces of his listeners rea.s.sured him; for they expressed neither surprise nor displeasure, though tears were trembling in the soft brown eyes of the mother.
Lester had concluded, and for a moment there was silence, then Mr.
Travilla said--a slight huskiness in his voice, "Young man, I like your straightforward dealing; but do you know the worth of the prize you covet?"
"I know, sir, that her price is above rubies, and that I am not worthy of her."
"Well, Mr. Leland, we will let her be the judge of that," the father answered. "Shall we not, little wife?" turning to Elsie with a look that had in it all the admiring homage of the lover, as well as the tender devotion of the husband.
"Yes," she sighed, seeming already to feel the pang of parting with her child.
"Do you mean that I may speak now?" Lester asked, half-incredulous of his happiness.
"Yes," Mr. Travilla said; "though not willing to spare our child yet, we would not have you part in doubt of each other's feelings. And," he added with a kindly smile, "if you have won her heart, the want of wealth is not much against you. 'Worth makes the man.'"
They walked home together--Elsie and her husband--sauntering along arm in arm, by the silvery moonlight, like a pair of lovers.
There was something very lover-like in the gaze he bent upon the sweet, fair face at his side, almost sad in its quietness.
"What is it, little wife?" he asked.
"Ah, Edward, how can we spare her--our darling, our first-born?"
"Perhaps we shall not be called upon to do so; he may not have won her heart."
She shook her head with a faint smile.
"She has tried to hide it--dear innocent child! but I know the symptoms; I have not forgotten." And she looked up into his face, blus.h.i.+ng and happy as in the days when he had wooed and won his bride.
"Yes, dearest; what a little while ago it seems! Ah, those were gladsome days to us; were they not?"
"Gladsome? Ah, yes! their memory is sweet to this hour. Yet I do not sigh for their return; I would not bring them back; a deeper, calmer blessedness is mine. My dear husband,
"'I bless thee for the n.o.ble heart, The tender and the true, Where mine hath found the happiest rest That e'er fond woman's knew; I bless thee, faithful friend and guide, For my own, my treasur'd share, In the mournful secrets of thy soul, In thy sorrow and thy care.'"
"Thank you, my darling," he said, lifting her hand to his lips, his eyes s.h.i.+ning. "Yes;
"We have lived and loved together, Through many changing years, We have shared each other's sorrows, And we've wept each other's tears.
"Let us hope the future As the past has been, may be, I'll share with thee thy sorrows, And thou my joys with me."
THE END
THE MERRY LYNN SERIES
By HARRIET PYNE GROVE
Cloth Bound. Jackets in Colors.
The charm of school and camp life, out-door sports and European travel is found in these winning tales of Merilyn and her friends at boarding school and college. These realistic stories of the everyday life, the fun, frolic and special adventures of the Beechwood girls will be enjoyed by all girls of high school age.
MERILYN ENTERS BEECHWOLD
MERILYN AT CAMP MEENAHGA
MERILYN TESTS LOYALTY
MERILYN'S NEW ADVENTURE
MERILYN FORRESTER, CO-ED.
THE "MERRY LYNN" MINE
=The Ann Sterling Series=
By HARRIET PYNE GROVE
Stories of Ranch Life and Adventure. For Girls 12 to 16 Years.
Handsome Cloth Binding with Attractive Jackets in Color
ANN STERLING
THE COURAGE OF ANN
ANN AND THE JOLLY SIX
ANN CROSSES A SECRET TRAIL
ANN'S SEARCH REWARDED
ANN'S AMBITIONS
