Part 55 (2/2)

Which sobered Elsin when I read it, she being the tenderest of heart; but I made her laugh ere the quick tears dried in her eyes, and she had written him the loveliest of letters in reply, which was already on its journey northward.

Writing to my father and mother of the happy news, I had not as yet received their approbation, yet knew it would come, though Elsin was a little anxious when I spoke so confidently.

Yet one more happiness was in store for me ere the greatest happiness of all arrived; for that morning, from Virginia, a little packet came to Elsin; and opening it together, we found a miniature of his Excellency, set in a golden oval, on which we read, inscribed: ”With great esteem,” and signed, ”Geo. Was.h.i.+ngton.”

So, was it wonderful that I, sitting there, should listen, smiling, for some sound above to warn me of her coming?

Never had suns.h.i.+ne on the gilded meadows lain so softly, never so pure and soft the aromatic air. And far afield I saw two figures moving, close together, often pausing to look upon the beauty of the sky and hills, then straying on like those who have found what they had sought for long ago--Jack Mount and Lyn Montour.

And, as I leaned there in the cas.e.m.e.nt, following them with smiling eyes, a faint sound behind me made me turn, start to my feet with a cry.

All alone she stood there, pale and lovely, blue eyes fixed on mine; and, at my cry, she took a little step, and then another, flus.h.i.+ng with shy pride.

”Carus! Sweetheart! Do you see?”

And at first she protested prettily as I caught her in my arms, lifting her in fear lest her knees give way, then smiled a.s.sent.

”Bear me, if you will,” she breathed, her white arms tightening about my neck; ”carry me with all the burdens you have borne so long, my strong, tall lover!--lest I dash my foot against a stone, and fall at your feet to wors.h.i.+p and adore! Here am I at last! Ah, what am I to say to you? The day? Truly, do you desire to wed me still? Then listen; bend your head, adored of men, and I will whisper to you what my heart and soul desire.”

THE END

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