As she talked to him, calm conviction came to her that the love she had had for this man once was absolutely dead. She contrasted his loose and somewhat stout exterior with the wiry-knit frame of Randolph. Archie did not seem to have improved with time, and his marriage was not one which would lead him to take serious views of life.
Jockie, of course, was most eager that Sidney and Randolph should join them in their expedition. She could not understand her husband's want of enthusiasm in the proposal; but she was the only one of the party who was ignorant of the past.
When at last the boating party went on their way, Jockie exclaimed:
"And that is the frontier hero whom Gavine has talked so much about. Well, they will make a splendid couple. Now I know where Sidney's heart has been all this time. I always felt she would never remain an unappropriated blessing for long."
"She's rather good-looking," said Mrs. Hughes.
"Oh, she's perfectly beautiful," said warm-hearted Jockie; "but it is herself we love her for, isn't it, Austin?"
"I hope he'll be good enough for her," said Austin. "I thought it would have come off when he was here before."
Archie was silent. What could he say?
It had been a remarkable meeting, and Sidney and Randolph were the only ones involved who could view the past without regret.
"I am glad our meeting is over," said Sidney, slipping her arm in that of Randolph's. "I was foolishly dreading it, but I only feel thankful now."