“Well, altogether, this has put a surprise upon us, Frank,” said Major Clifton, meditatively running his fingers through his hair; “but, when you return you will make us a visit. By the way, how long do you intend to be absent?”
“Until the spring. And now I must really bid you good-bye, regretting very much that I cannot carry you both along with me.”
They shook hands cordially, Clifton saying—
“Well, Frank, our very best wishes attend you. May you have much happiness!”
Captain Fairfax turned to take leave of Catherine, but she said that she would attend him down. She left the room with him. And when the door shut behind them, Clifton clasped his hands upon his brow and closed his eyes, as in deep thought or prayer. When Kate re-entered the room softly, he said—
“Come hither, Catherine!”
And she came and knelt by his side, and he encircled her with his arm, and drew her face down to his bosom, and raising his eyes toward Heaven, said—
“‘A wife is from the Lord!’ Even so, oh, God! How shall I thank Thee? Hear me consecrate my whole future life to Thy service, in acknowledgment of this, Thy gift.”
A SWEEPING REDUCTION!