en to an
ungracious finish, ending with a complaint to heaven that the world had
used him so shabbily at such a time as this.

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. Washington."

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

Never had sunshine 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 casement, 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, flushing 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 assent.

"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 worship 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

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Reckoning, by Robert W. Chambers

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