"If I thought there was any chance of your relenting, Mary, I would try and urge you——"
"Then please don't," she interrupted, "for it will not be the slightest use."
This was said with so much of resolution and determination in the tone, that Barton, seeing it would be useless to press his wishes further, reluctantly consented to the arrangement proposed.
During the interval, as stipulated, Barton had frequent opportunities of converse with Mary, the result being to bring out more clearly the fact that there was an affinity of souls between them which paved the way for that union of hearts which, when the six months had expired, and he renewed his request, was confirmed by a union of hands, with the usual formula—"till death do its part."
* * * * *
The wedding of Jessie Russell with Fellows was celebrated at the time fixed, amid general merry-making. The company was not a large one, comprising, as it did, besides the chief actors, only the few work-people in Ranger's service—in all some fourteen persons.
When the ceremony was over, and the feasting had been vigorously started, Ralph drove away for Kinbrae with his smiling bride, followed by the hearty cheers and good wishes of all.
THE END
PRINTED BY
MORRISON AND GIBB LIMITED
EDINBURGH
*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RALPH SINCLAIR'S ATONEMENT ***