husband for his daughter. But
when I told him that the Colonel had deserted me, Mr. Burt laughed
scornfully.

"'You, Mrs. Simcoe? Why, you have lost your wits. Remember, Colonel Wayne
is a gentleman of the oldest family, and you are--you were--'

"'I was a poor country girl,' said I, 'and Colonel Wayne loved me, and
I loved him, and here is the pledge and proof of it.'

"I drew out his miniature as I spoke, and held it before your
grandfather's eyes. He fairly staggered, and rang the bell violently.

"'Call Colonel Wayne,' he said, hastily, to the servant.

"In a moment the Colonel came in. I saw his color change as his eye fell
upon me, holding the locket in my hand, and upon your grandfather's
flushed face.

"'Colonel Wayne, have you ever seen Mrs. Simcoe before?'

"He was very pale, and there were sallow circles under his eyes as he
spoke; but he said, calmly,

"'Not to my knowledge.'

"Scorn made me icily calm.

"'Who gave me that, Sir?' said I, thrusting the miniature almost into his
face.

"He took it in his hand and looked at it. I saw his lip work and his
throat quiver with an involuntary spasm.

"'I am sure I do not know.'

"I was speechless. Your grandfather was confounded. Colonel Wayne looked
white, but resolute.

"'God only is my witness,' said I, slowly, as if the words came gasping
from my heart. 'So help me God, I loved him, and he loved me.'

"A quiver ran through his frame as I spoke, but he preserved the same
placidity of face.

"'There is some mistake, Mrs. Simcoe,' said your grandfather, not
unkindly, to me. 'Go to your room.'

"I obeyed, for my duty was done."

Mrs. Simcoe paused, and rocked silently to and fro. Hope took her hand
and kissed it reverently. Presently the narration was quietly resumed:

"I told your mother my story. But she was stunned by her own grief, and I
do not think she comprehended me. Dr. Peewee came, and she was married.
Your mother did not say yes--for she could not utter a word--but the
ceremony proceeded. I heard the words, 'Whom God hath joined together,'
and I laughed aloud, and fell fainting.

"It was a few days after the marriage, when Colonel Wayne and his wife
were absent, that your grandfather said to me,

"'Mrs. Simcoe, your story seems to be true. But think a moment. A man
like Colonel Wayne must have had many experiences. We all do. He has been
rash, and foolish, and thoughtless, I have no doubt. He may even have
trifled with your fee