merely asked her if she remembered a certain evening at Bar Harbor
when there was a _fete_ at the Canoe Club."

"Well, what of it? I don't see anything unusual in that."

"I can't tell you more; only when I reminded her of that evening she
acknowledged that it would be discreet for her to remain silent
concerning you and Marion Sanderson. You see I happened accidentally to
observe some of Mrs. McSeeney's actions on that occasion, and,
considering that you were in her power, I felt justified in informing
her of the fact."

"Then it was you who saved Marion and me from her spiteful tongue," said
Florence in a relieved tone. "You don't know how grateful I am, and how
I have worried over that matter."

"You need worry no longer, my girl," replied Harold. "But I must tell
you again how plucky you were to try to save your friend in the way you
did, and now let's forget all about it."

"Yes, dear," said Florence fondly. "We have pleasanter things to think
of."

"'Tis true, my darling," he replied, taking both of her hands in his.
"To-day you have made me the happiest man in the world. Do you know why
I love you?"

"No; why?"

"Because you have so much common sense."

Florence smiled. "I never showed it until I began to love you," she
replied; "but what time do you suppose it is? Just think of poor papa
waiting all this time."

"Only to find he has lost his best possession," answered Harold.

Judge Moreland was sitting in the library when they reached the house,
and although he had been waiting patiently for nearly an hour since the
servant had announced luncheon, he did not seem ill-humored, for, on
seeing the delinquents enter, he smiled good-humoredly, and shook his
head with mock disapproval, as he said: "Three-quarters of an hour late,
children. That is more than I bargained for, but you will be punished.
The luncheon is cold and you will be compelled to eat it without
grumbling."

Harold took Florence's hand and they both stood before the Judge; then
Harold said penitently: "The fault is mine, sir, but I have a greater
sin to answer for. I have robbed you of your daughter, and I come to ask
your clemency."

"I think I understand," answered the Judge. "Yours is a very grave
offense, and the only way you can obtain pardon is by seeking benefit of
clergy. Florence, my girl, come here and let me kiss you. You have made
me very happy."

"Happy," echoed Florence, "I feared you would never forgive me."

"No