e monumentous occasion, Mrs. Belloo," the sailor proceeded,
"my shipmate, Dick, and me, mam,--respectfully beg the favour of
saluting the bride;--Mrs. Belloo, by your leave--here's health, and
happiness, mam!" And, hereupon, the old sailor kissed her, right
heartily. Which done, he made way for the Sergeant who, after a moment's
hesitation, followed suit.

"A fair wind, and prosperous!" cried Peterday, flourishing his hat.

"And God--bless you--both!" said the Sergeant as the car shot away.

So, it was done!--the irrevocable step was taken! Her life and future
had passed for ever into the keeping of him who sat so silent beside
her, who neither spoke, nor looked at her, but frowned ever at the road
before him.

On sped the car, faster, and faster,--yet not so fast as the beating of
her heart wherein there was yet something of fear, and shame,--but
greatest of all was that other emotion, and the name of it was--Joy.

Now, presently, the car slowed down, and he spoke to her, though without
turning his head. And yet, something in his voice thrilled through her
strangely.

"Look Anthea,--the moon is at the full, to-night."

"Yes!" she answered.

"And Happiness shall come riding astride the full moon!" he quoted. "Old
Nannie is rather a wonderful old witch, after all, isn't she?"

"Yes."

"And then there is--our nephew,--my dear, little Porges! But for him,
Happiness would have been a stranger to me all my days, Anthea. He
dreamed that the Money Moon spoke to him, and--but he shall tell you of
that, for himself."

But Anthea noticed that he spoke without once looking at her; indeed it
seemed that he avoided glancing towards her, of set design, and purpose;
and his deep voice quivered, now and then, in a way she had never heard
before. Therefore, her heart throbbed the faster, and she kept her gaze
bent downward, and thus, chancing to see the shimmer of that which was
upon her finger, she blushed, and hid it in a fold of her gown.

"Anthea."

"Yes?"

"You have no regrets,--have you?"

"No," she whispered.

"We shall soon be--home, now!"

"Yes."

"And are you--mine--for ever, and always? Anthea, you--aren't--afraid of
me any more, are you?"

"No."

"Nor ever will be?"

"Nor--ever will be."

Now as the car swept round a bend, behold yet two other figures standing
beside the way.

"Yo ho, Captain!" cried a voice, "Oh--please heave to, Uncle Porges!"

And, forth to meet them, came Small Porges, r