om the clerk of the county. Have you
a license?"

"No," said August, his heart sinking.

Just then Andrew came up and inquired what the conversation was about.

"Why, Uncle Andrew," said Julia eagerly, "August and I don't want the
end of the world to come without being man and wife. And we have no
license, and August could not go seven miles and back to get a license
before midnight. It is too bad, isn't it? If it wasn't that we think the
end of the world is so near, I should be ashamed to say how much I want
to be married. But I shall be proud to have been August's wife, when I
am among the angels."

"You are a noble woman," said Andrew. "Come in, let us see if anything
can be done." And he led the way, smiling.

CHAPTER XLII.

FOR EVER AND EVER.

When they had all re-entered the castle, Andrew made them sit down. The
old minister did not see any escape from the fatal obstacle of a lack of
license, but Andrew was very mysterious.

"Virtue is its own reward," said the Philosopher, "but it often finds an
incidental reward besides. Now, Julia, you are the noblest woman in
these degenerate times, according to my way of thinking."

"That's true as preachin', ef you'll except one," chirped Jonas, with a
significant look at his Cynthy Ann. Julia blushed, and the old minister
looked inquiringly at Andrew and at Julia. This exaggerated praise from
a man so misanthropic as Andrew excited his curiosity.

"Without exception," said Andrew emphatically, looking first at Jonas,
then at Mr. Williams, "my niece is the noblest woman I ever knew."

"Please don't, Uncle Andrew!" begged Julia, almost speechless with
shame. Praise was something she could not bear. She was inured
to censure.

"Do you remember that dark night--of course you do--when you braved
everything and came here to see August, who would have died but for your
coming?" Andrew was now looking at Julia, who answered him almost
inaudibly.

"And do you remember when we got to your gate, on your return, what you
said to me?"

"Yes, sir," said Julia.

"To be sure you do, and" (turning to August) "I shall never forget her
words; she said, If he should get worse, I should like him to die my
husband, if he wishes it. Send for me, day or night, and I will come in
spite of everything."

"Did you say that?" asked August, looking at her eagerly.

And Julia nodded her head, and lifted her eyes, glistening with brimming
tears, to his.

"You do not know," sa