rdon: you have changed positions so, it
confuses me. But as we are to be earnest and serious, we should seek to
communicate our happiness to others. Hadn't I better call them in?"

The lovers consented, and I called. Mabel and Jane came with eager
smiles and effusive congratulations. It is curious, the stress which the
feminine intellect lays on a mere point of time, or external event, like
the celebration of a union between two young people, or the first
statement that such a union is to be formed; whereas we all know that
the real event is mental, or at most resides in the clash and
concurrence of two minds, assisted by the bodies they inhabit. Our
friends had probably come to a sufficient understanding the night of
Jim's arrival, a week ago: in fact the thing was practically settled
when I brought back his submission, and even he must have had sense
enough to know it was when she wrote him that one word, 'Come.' So what
on earth is the use of making a fuss about it now? But I will not press
this view, which may be too rarefied and lofty for the vulgar mind.

There were kisses, and laughter, and tears I believe--but not of the
Princess' shedding--just as if something had really happened. I was
sorry for Jim, he looked so sheepish. Then he, or Clarice, or both of
them, to cover the awkwardness of the moment, began to extol my virtues
and services--in which there was no sense at all; for suppose you have
done a good thing, you don't want to be everlastingly cackling about it:
the thing is done, let it stand on its own merits or demerits. To stop
this, I proposed a division of the honors. "There is Herbert, who is
unhappily in bed now: he set the ball rolling. He was the only one of
us all who dared ask Clarice what she had done to you, Jim. And here is
Clarice herself, who discovered that my health was failing and needed
the air that blows over troutbrooks; give her a benefit. And here is
Jane, who urged me on--drove me, I may say. But for her, I might never
have had courage to beard you two dreadful people, and ask you what you
meant by such conduct."

Jane was receiving due attention, when Mabel spoke. "You must not
overlook me, as if I had had no hand in it. I approved and encouraged it
from the start: you know I did. And when you went away, Mr. Hartman, and
they all felt so badly and thought you would never come back, I always
said it would be right--always."

THE END.

End of the Project Gutenberg EBoo