"Of course I do," sighed Abby. "Poor man! he was so good, and nobody loved him."
"Do you love him?" asked McAllister.
"Dear man! I love him, all my heart!" cried the child.
"Then the man is very, very happy," said McAllister softly.
Overhead a single black crow, wheeling out of a stumpy pine, circled to investigate this strange love-scene. Satisfied of its propriety, he cawed loudly and resettled himself upon the shaking topmost bough.
McAllister drew the golden band from his cigar and took the folded paper from his pocket.
"Here's a love-letter," said he. "Your aunt will read it for you when I've gone."
Abby took it sadly.
"Now hold up your left hand," said McAllister, smiling. As he slipped the paper circle over her fourth finger he said gravely:
"'With this ring I thee wed, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow.' Give me a kiss."