happiness upon us both? I am thankful
to know you were unhappy too, for I had nothing to go on, Bridgie, no
claim whatever upon you, only you must have guessed how I felt. I could
not believe that you had really given yourself to me in that short
time."

"I couldn't myself!" said Bridgie naively. "I tried to pretend that it
was all a mistake, and that I was quite happy without you." She looked
up at him shyly, and shook her head in the most beguiling denial.
"'Twas not a mite of use. I remember all the same! And are you sure--
quite sure--that you thought of me all the time? Was there never anyone
else all these long, long years?"

The Captain smiled and stroked his moustache in amused, contemplative
fashion.

"There was never anyone, except one girl! I met one girl who quite
stole my heart, and I think I stole hers into the bargain."

"Oh! oh! How dreadful! Why did you tell me? But you didn't--you never
thought of marrying her, did you, Dick?"

"I'm not so sure. She did!" He laughed, and seized her hands once
more. "No, it is too bad! I won't tease you. It was Mamzelle Paddy,
darling, to whom I confided my story, and who comforted me in her own
sweet fashion. And she is your sister, and it is she who has brought us
together! Bridgie, if I didn't love you with all my heart, I believe I
should still have to marry you, for nothing else than to be Mamzelle's
brother."

But Bridgie did not affect to be jealous. She threw back her head, and
smiled happily as she answered, "I'm thankful to hear you say it, for
whoever marries me must love Pixie too. I can never leave her behind
me!"

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO.

CONCLUSION.

The news of Captain Victor's engagement and long attachment to the
charming Miss O'Shaughnessy caused the greatest interest and excitement
among the guests at the cottage, while his old friends rejoiced to see
the happy brightness on his face.

"Welcome home, Dick!" Mr Wallace cried, shaking him warmly by the
hand. "Thankful to see you back again, instead of that other fellow who
has been moping about in your clothes!" and Pixie commented on the
announcement with her usual outspoken honesty.

"I told ye it would come all right! I suppose it was you Bridgie was
fretting about, when I thought it was the bills! She's got dips in her
cheeks, only you can't see them now, because she's blushing. I'm glad
you are coming into the family, but I don't see how you can ever be
mar