"But I must endure that rather than let Ease suffer."
"But don't fancy I should forgive you the debt."
"I should hope not," Will said, unconsciously drawing himself up. "I didn't mean to beg a living."
"That strikes fire," his father said, laughing. "I think you had better arrange the matter with Ease as soon as you can, and have things settled. I am proud of your choice too."
"I"—Will began; but, instead of speech, he wrung his father's hand, and was off for Mullen House.
[CHAPTER XLV.]
A QUIET WEDDING.
The marriage of Will and Ease was naturally a quiet one. Wedding Ease with the certainty of hard work before him, and with the consciousness of taking up a man's burdens, Will was thoughtful and grave. He was full of a serious joy, and, as Patty declared, began already to look older and more sedate. Regret as he might the loss to his bride of her old home, he secretly experienced a virile joy that their fortunes were to be of his own carving.