"Like a true woman," said Mr. Erskine. "I am glad she does."
"So am I!" said Magnus, with hearty emphasis. "There is not a thing about her that I am not glad of. But I have told her everything, Mr. Erskine," he added, "and she forgives me."
"Like a woman again," thought the father. "And she is ready to go with you to San Carlos?"
"I don't know why you will persist in sending me there, sir," Magnus said, with just a touch of impatience. "That seems to be your favourite post. We have not spoken of San Carlos."
"No, I suppose all your talk has been of Fortress Monroe, Governor's Island, and West Point," said Mr. Erskine, in a mocking tone. "Those are the usual first posts for young second lieutenants."
"West Point!" Magnus repeated scornfully. "If you had the faintest idea, Mr. Erskine, what West Point is without Cherry, you would know that San Carlos will be the ranking post in the country when she gets there!"
And the young man sprang to his feet, as if tenter hooks were restless things.
Mr. Erskine held out his hand. "Forgive me, my boy," he said. "I will not tease you any more. Go and find my treasure—and take her for your treasure, and guard her with your life. I do not mean in the common sense of dying for her, but in the nobler, costlier way of living for her. Shield her from any touch of shame, from any sense of loss, from any shadow of pain or sorrow that is not Heaven-sent. Live so that she will be prouder of you every day. Magnus, my darling is a trust."
There was something very sweet and solemn too in the way Magnus took the extended hand, and dropping on his knee kissed it earnestly.
"As such I take her, sir. My most dear trust, for every hour I live."