to hear his affliction. The eye
of God is now upon him, and He can minister to the supplicant.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIRST.

CONCLUSION.

The dead was buried. The hearse was followed by a large concourse of
Dr. Humphries' friends, who were brought there by the sad tale of the
trials of the Soldier's Wife. The funeral service was read, and after
the grave was closed many grouped around Alfred and offered their
condolence. He only bowed but made no reply. The body of Ella had been
previously disinterred and placed in the same grave which afterward
contained her mother, and on the coffins of his wife and child Alfred
Wentworth took a last look. When the service was over he turned away,
and accompanied by Harry returned to the dwelling of the doctor,
where, with his boy on his knees, he conversed.

"My furlough does not expire for forty days," he observed, "but I
shall rejoin my regiment in a week from this time. The object for
which it was obtained being no longer there, it is only just that I
shall report for duty."

"You must do no such thing," answered Harry, "I wish you to remain
until your leave expires."

"Why?" asked Alfred, in a tone of surprise.

"Well, the fact is," said Harry, "I will be married in thirty days,
and it is my urgent desire that you shall be with me on my marriage
day, as a guest, if not as a friend."

"I can make but a poor guest," he replied. "My heart is too full of
grief to willingly join in the mirth and happiness such festivities
bring with them. You must therefore excuse me. I should indeed start
at once did I not desire to find a place to leave this child."

"You need not trouble yourself about him," remarked Harry, "the doctor
assured your wife that he should take care of the boy, and I feel
certain he will be a father to him during your absence. Nor will I
excuse your absence at my wedding, for I do not see why you should
object if I desire it, and Emma, I know, will be very much pleased at
your presence. So offer no excuses, but prepare yourself to remain."

"As you appear so much to desire it," he answered. "I will remain, but
I assure you I feel but little inclined for such pleasure at the
present time, particularly a wedding, which cannot fail to bring up
reminiscences of a happy day, not so long gone but that it still
remains in my memory, as fresh and vivid as when I was an actor in a
similar occasion."

"Let not such thoughts disturb you," said Harry, "let the Past