"Of course; who else should he think of? Why, child, you will never know how dearly we both love you."
"And you always will?" I asked, holding my breath in expectation of her answer.
"And always will, be sure of that. Ah! here he comes to promise for himself."
Yes; there he stood holding back the curtains, proud, smiling, and strong, as I shall always remember him.
"Ah! you have found her, silly thing, hiding away by herself," he exclaimed, kindly.
"I have just made a promise for you," answered the bride with gentle seriousness.
"Which I will keep; for henceforth, fair lady, am I not your slave."
"I have promised to love this girl so long as I shall live, and that you will be her very best friend, and love her dearly."
"Dearly, you say?"