Part 51 (1/2)

”They have all said that,” said Mr Dawson to himself. Aloud he said with a dubious smile, ”And ye'll promise no' to break your heart about him yet?” But his eyes softened wonderfully as he looked at her.

”Papa,” said Jean laying her hand on his shoulder as she stood a little behind him, ”we love one another dearly. And you ay liked Willie, papa, and so did--mamma.”

”My dear, I like him well. But have you thought of all you will have to bear as a sailor's wife?--the anxiety and suspense, the long, long waiting, and--”

”But, papa, I should have that anyway. I _have_ had it, though--”

”My dear, ye little ken. And it might have been so different with you?”

”No, papa. It never could have been different. I wouldna have broken my heart, but I could never have cared for any one else.”

A knock at the door prevented any thing more, and in answer to Mr Dawson's voice Captain Calderwood entered.

”I beg your pardon, Mr Dawson. I thought you were alone,” said he in some embarra.s.sment.

”Come awa' in,” said Mr Dawson. ”I thought, my lad, there was nothing more to be said the nicht?”

”And so did I. And indeed there has been little said as yet.”

Mr Dawson laughed uneasily. No one was less fitted to act the part of the mollified father at the last moment, and he felt quite as little at his ease as either of them. But he could not but look with pride and pleasure on the handsome pair.

”I doubt there is little more that need be said.”

”Only a single word from you, sir. I know as well as you that I am not worthy of her, but man and boy I have loved her all my life.”

Mr Dawson had risen and Jean's face was hidden on his shoulder. He raised her face and kissed her, saying softly,--

”I doubt the word is with Jean now.”

It is possible that even now Mr Dawson might have resented a triumphant claiming of Jean on her lover's part. But he only smiled, well pleased when the young man bowed his handsome head and kissed her hand as if it had been the hand of a royal princess. And then he sent them away to be congratulated by Aunt Jean and the rest.

”And if they are any of them more surprised at my consent than I am myself, it will be strange,” said he to himself as he sat down again, not sure even yet that he was not displeased, or at least disappointed still. But by the time he heard the slow unequal steps of his sister coming, as was her custom when any thing more than usual was going on, for a word or two with him before she went to her bed, he was able to receive her softly spoken congratulations cheerfully enough.

She did not use many words; for she had an intuitive knowledge that some of her brother's thoughts about this matter had better not be uttered.

But there was no mistaking the grave gladness of her face, and it came into her brother's mind that his sister's thoughts about most things were such as usually commended themselves to him in the end.

As for the others to whom Captain Calderwood after a little conducted his promised wife, none of them except Marion confessed to surprise, and none of them seemed to share the old man's doubt as to whether it was matter for rejoicing or no. Jean's first glance at Mrs Calderwood was a little wistful and beseeching, as though she were not quite sure of a daughter's welcome. But two or three low spoken words set that at rest forever. Captain Calderwood's doubtful looks were cast on Miss Jean.

”I ken weel I'm no worthy of her, auntie,” he said.

”Ah! weel!--if she thinks it--that is the main thing,” said Miss Jean.

”My friend, and twice my brother,” was all George said to him. And to Jean he said softly, ”Happy woman?” and that was all.