The Recognition
Trembling violently, she snatched the tiny bit of gold from the bottom of the bowl, which fell to the ground and broke at her feet, and then she saw her own name engraved upon it. She looked long and long at the token, and then, pulling a chain at her neck, drew out her half of the ring with Colin’s name engraved on it. “O stranger, tell me, is my husband dead?” she asked, grasping the beggar’s arm. “Dead?” he questioned, gazing tenderly at her; and at his tone she looked straight into his eyes and knew him. “My husband!” was all that she could say, but she flung her arms around his neck and was clasped close to his heart. The servants stood bewildered, but in a moment their mistress had turned to them, saying, “Run, summon all the household, bring them all, for this is my husband, Black Colin of Loch Awe, come home to me again.” When all in the castle knew it there was great excitement and rejoicing, and they feasted bountifully, for the wedding banquet had been prepared.