und pleasant face. "I congratulate
you; at this particular crisis, when hundreds are being ruined by last
year's mania for railway speculation, it is most fortunate to have safe
funded property."

Major Harper's conscience groaned within, and it was all over. He
resigned himself to stern necessity and force of circumstances--hoping
everything would turn out for the best.

Then they all gathered round the table, and Mr. Grimes droned out the
necessary formalities. The bride-elect listened, half in a dream--the
bridegroom rather more attentively.

"Are you quite sure," said he, pausing, with the pen in his hand, and
casting his eyes keenly over the document--"are you quite sure this
deed answers the purpose I intended? This is the total amount of
property which Mr. Bowen left?"

And he looked from his brother to the lawyer with an anxiety which long
afterwards recurred bitterly to Agatha's mind.

Mr. Grimes bowed, and assured him that all was correct. So the young
bridegroom signed with a steady hand, and afterwards watched the rather
tremulous signature of his bride. Then an inexpressible content diffused
itself over his face. Putting her arm in his, he led her away proudly,
as though she were already his own.

Confused by her novel position, Agatha looked instinctively for some
womanly encouragement, but Emma Thorny-croft was busily engaged in
admiring observation of some wedding presents, and Mrs. Ianson was worse
than nobody.

"Miss Valery!--what has become of Miss Valery? said the bride, her eyes
wandering restlessly around. Other eyes followed hers--Major Harper's.
Incredulously these rested on the silent lady in the background, whose
whole mien, figure, and attire, in the plain dark dress, and close
morning cap, marked her a woman undeniably and fearlessly middle-aged.

"Is it possible!" he exclaimed. "Can that be Anne Valery?"

The lady arose, and met him with extended hand. "It is Anne Valery, and
she is very glad to see you, Major Harper."

They shook hands; his confused manner contrasting strongly with
her perfect serenity. After a moment Miss Bowen, who could not help
watching, heard him say:

"I, too, am glad we have met at last. I hope it is as friends!"

"I was never otherwise to you," she answered, gently; and joined the
circle.

This rather singular greeting, noticed by none but herself, awakened
Agatha's old wrath against Major Harper, lest, as her romantic
imagination half suggested, th