e was quite
alone; and here every one was so kind to me. Mamma and Laura, and poor
Charlie, through all his illness and pain, he was so very kind. And do
you know, Mary, now it is all over, I am very glad of this dismal time;
for I think that it has taught me how to bear things better.'

She looked very happy. Yet it struck Mary that it was strange to hear
that the first thought of a newly-betrothed maiden was how to brace
herself in endurance. She wondered, however, whether it was not a more
truly happy and safe frame than that of most girls, looking forward to a
life of unclouded happiness, such as could never be realized. At least,
so it struck Mary, though she owned to herself that her experience of
lovers was limited.

Mary walked with Amy almost to the borders of Hollywell garden; and when
the rest came up with them, though no word passed, there was a great
deal of congratulation in her warm shake of Guy's hand, and no lack of
reply in his proud smile and reddening cheek. Charlotte could not help
turning and going back with her a little way, to say, 'Are not you
delighted, Mary? Is not Amy the dearest thing in the world? And you
don't know, for it is a secret, and I know it, how very noble Guy has
been, while they would suspect him.'

'I am very, very glad, indeed! It is everything delightful.'

'I never was so happy in my life,' said Charlotte; 'nor Charlie, either.
Only think of having Guy for our brother; and he is going to send for
Bustle to-morrow.'

Mary laughed, and parted with Charlotte, speculating on the cause of
Laura's graver looks. Were they caused by the fear of losing her sister,
or by a want of confidence in Guy?

That evening, how happy was the party at Hollywell, when Charles put
Guy through a cross-examination on the shipwreck, from the first puff of
wind to the last drop of rain; and Guy submitted very patiently, since
he was allowed the solace of praising his Redclyffe fishermen.

Indeed, this time was full of tranquil, serene happiness. It was like
the lovely weather only to be met with in the spring, and then but
rarely, when the sky is cloudless, and intensely blue,--the sunshine
one glow of clearness without burning,--not a breath of wind checks the
silent growth of the expanding buds of light exquisite green. Such days
as these shone on Guy and Amabel, looking little to the future, or if
they did so at all, with a grave, peaceful awe, reposing in the present,
and resuming old habi