"God knows I did not shrink," he said eagerly, and reaching out his hand across the counter.
"I know it too," she said shyly.
"Laura, all that I am, or ever can be, goes with that hand."
She put her hand in his, and looking into his face with an expression which he had never seen before, she said:
"Egbert, I have loved you ever since you went, as a true knight, to the aid of cousin Amy."
And thus they plighted their faith to each other across the counter, and then he came around on her side.
We shall not attempt to portray the meeting between Mrs. Arnot and one whom she had learned to look upon as a son, and who loved her with an affection that had its basis in the deepest gratitude.
Our story is substantially ended. It only remains to be said that Haldane, by every means in his power, showed gentle and forbearing consideration for his mother's feelings, and thus she was eventually led to be reconciled to his choice, if not to approve of it.
"After all, it is just like Egbert," she said to her daughters, "and we will have to make the best of it."
Haldane's leave of absence passed all too quickly, and in parting he said to Laura: