word whose utterance
would cheer his soul, and give him hope and joy and confidence in
departing. Marian had naturally a fine, healthful, high-toned
organization--a happy, hopeful, joyous temperament, an inclination
always to look upon the sunny side of life and events. And so, when he
drew her gently and tenderly to his bosom, and whispered:

"You have made me the happiest and most grateful man on earth, dear,
lovely Marian! dear, lovely wife! but are you satisfied, beloved--oh!
are you satisfied? Do I leave you at ease?"

She spoke the very truth when she confessed to him--her head being on
his shoulder, and her low tones flowing softly to his listening ear:

"More than satisfied, Thurston--more than satisfied, I am inexpressibly
happy now. Yes, though you are going away; for, see! the pain of parting
for a few months, is lost in the joy of knowing that we are united,
though separated--and in anticipating the time not long hence, when we
shall meet again. God bless you, dearest Thurston."

"God forever bless and love you, sweet wife." And so they parted.

CHAPTER XVII.

SPRING AND LOVE.

It was late in February before the party reached home. Thurston's
business finished he also hastened back and sought out Marian. One
memorable episode must be related. Thurston had met Marian not many
yards down the lonely forest foot-path, leading from the village school
to Old Fields one evening.

After a walk of about a quarter of a mile through the bushes they
descended by the natural staircase of moss-covered rocks, and sat down
together upon a bed of violets at its foot.

Before them, through the canopy of over-arching trees, was seen, like a
picture in its frame of foliage, a fine view of the open country and the
bay now bathed in purple haze of evening.

But the fairest prospect that ever opened had no more attraction for
Thurston than if it had been a view of chimney tops from a back attic
window. He passed his right hand around Marian's shoulders, and drew her
closer to his side, and with the other hand began to untie her bonnet
strings.

"Lay off this little bonnet. Let me see your beauteous head uncovered.
There!" he said, putting it aside, and smoothing her bright locks. "Oh,
Marian! my love! my queen! when I see only the top of your head, I think
your rippling, sunny tresses your chief beauty; but soon my eyes fall to
the blooming cheek--there never was such a cheek--so vivid, yet so
delicate, so gl