oving kiss. Tears were in her eyes, but they were
tears of joy now, and her heart was happy.

Mrs. Hampton was about to steal quietly away and leave the two alone
with their new-found joy, when the sound of voices coming toward them
caused her to hesitate.

"They are coming!" she announced, "and we must tell them! What will
they think?"

Across the field came the young lovers, talking and laughing in the
gayest of spirits. Their faces were flushed with vigourous exercise,
and every motion of their bodies betokened abounding health. Life was
very sweet to them on this bright summer day as they advanced toward
the silent group anxiously awaiting their coming beneath the spreading
branches of the friendly old apple tree.

CHAPTER XXX

JOY AT EVENTIDE

It was early that evening as Jess kissed her father and advised him to
go to sleep at once.

"You are tired, daddy, after the excitement of the day, so you need a
good long rest."

"I suppose I do," was the reply. "But it will be somewhat hard to get
to sleep after the events of the afternoon. Isn't it wonderful, Jess,
what a change has come over your mother? I never saw anything like it."

"A great burden has been lifted from her mind, that's the reason. And,
daddy, you forgive me for what I did?"

"Certainly, dear, certainly. But I am not your father any longer,
remember."

"Oh, yes you are," and the girl smiled. "Just behave as you have since
your accident, and I wouldn't change you for any man I know."

"Be careful, be careful what you say, Jess. I am not altogether blind
and deaf."

A rich flush overspread the girl's cheeks, and her eyes sparkled as she
turned them upon her father's face. She understood the meaning of his
words.

"I want you always as my father," she replied; "that is what I mean.
But, there, you cannot get to sleep if I stay here and chatter."

"Where are you going, Jess?"

"Over to see how Eben is getting along."

"That is good. And you will tell him what we were talking about this
afternoon, will you not? I hope he will agree to my plan."

"I believe he will, daddy, and I am so glad you are going to do
something for him. He is a fine boy, and we owe him much for what he
did at Island Lake."

Giving her father another kiss, Jess hurried downstairs and found John
waiting for her upon the verandah. It was a beautiful evening, calm
and mild. The western sky was aglow with the glory of departing day,
and th