rward to the
long coming years, and feel that I shall never see her again?"

"Florence, my own Florence, I would not have you repress a single
tear. I know how sadly altered all things are, and what a dreary
look your home must bear. All I ask is, that when you feel lonely and
unhappy, instead of hiding your grief, come to me, lay your weary head
upon my shoulder, and I will strive to cheer you my precious wife! Let
nothing induce you to keep aught from me--let perfect confidence reign
between us: and do not, for a moment, doubt that I wish you other
than you are. The past is very painful both to you and to me, and the
memory of Frank and Mary constantly saddens my spirit. Yet we will
look forward to a happier future, and strive to guide and cheer each
other." He kissed the broad brow as he spoke, and drew tighter the arm
which encircled his wife, as though no danger could assail while he
was near.

"Of late, Mr. Stewart, I have wondered much how you ever learned to
love me; for I am much changed, and in my girlhood I was cold, proud,
and often contemptuous in my manner. Ah, Mary, how different from you!
If I have higher aims in life, and purer joys, I owe it all to her,
for she led me to love the law of God, and exemplified in her daily
life the teachings of Christ! But for her, I shudder to think what I
should now have been! O God, I thank thee that I am saved even as a
burning brand from the fire! I have hope of happiness on earth, and
at last a joyful reunion with the loved ones that have gone on home
before me. And you, my husband, help me to conquer myself to break
down my pride, and to be more like Mary. Oh, forgive my weaknesses,
and ever love me as you now do!"

He clasped her to his heart, and whispered--"Fear not, Florence, that
I will ever love you less! I, too, have faults which you may be called
on to excuse, yet all is bright for us, and I trust no common share of
happiness will be our portion through life!"

"Oh, sweet reward of danger past!
How lovely, through the tears
That speak her heart's o'erflowing joy,
The young wife's smile appears.
The fount of love for her hath gushed,
Life's shadows all have flown,
Joy, Florence! thou a heart hast found
Responding to thine own!"

THE END.

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Inez, by Augusta J. Evans

*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK INEZ ***

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