"You have nothing to thank us for," said Rachel Holmes; "we are controlled by independent forces."
"Rachel Holmes," cried Dinah Dim, "your words were always intelligible to sensible ears. Go on, Reuben."
"I have nothing to go on with particularly, and nothing very particular to say. My mind is filled, by but one subject just now."
"What subject?"
"The absent ones--two whom we loved, one whom we hated. Say--am I right?"
"We all share your feelings," said Dinah Dim.
"I would prefer to hear each speak for himself," said Reuben Thorne, his eyes travelling from one to the other of the strange company.
One after another expressed their adherence to his sentiments with reference to the three who were absent.
"All but Mr. Weston have spoken," said Reuben Thorne.
"If I know anything of Richard Weston," said Dinah Dim, "he agrees with us with all his soul. Why, of all our company, he is the man who was ever the most eloquent on the beauty of love! He married for love, my children. I call upon you to drink to the memory of his wife."