“I should not trouble much on that score,” said the Doctor. “In sorrow or need, or when her heart is really reached, trifles of that sort make no difference to her, as I saw plainly enough at the time of her mother’s death. So courage, my son! Wait and see what time will bring forth. It seems likely that for those two young people below, Hymen will shortly appear
In saffron robe, with taper clear,
and I yet hope, when this war is ended, that Whitbourne may be the scene of such
Pomp, and feast, and revelry,
as now you scarce dare think on.”
Gabriel did not reply, but a happier light dawned in his eyes, and as he gazed into the glowing depths of the wood fire he saw visions of a future that should make up for all the present suffering and separation.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
“True love’s the gift which God has given