Old Capt. Grandiere started up and seized Roland’s hand, and shook it heartily.
Little Rosemary slipped her slender fingers in those of the earl, and whispered:
“Didn’t I tell you Roland was of patrician birth? Didn’t I tell you he looked like you? I am not the least surprised.”
The earl caressed the little hand that was resting in his, but made no reply in words.
“Yes, for all that I knew it all along, and am not surprised, I do feel as if I was hearing it all read out of a romance, by the evening fire, in Aunt Sukey’s old room in the farmhouse,” added Rosemary, dreamily.
Le followed the example of Capt. Grandiere, went up and shook Roland by the hand, whispering:
“I am heartily glad of your good fortune, old fellow—heartily glad! Not that any fortune, good or ill, could affect my friendship for you.”
“It is not likely,” smiled Roland. “If you did not lose faith in me when I was in the role of the pirate captain’s mate, surely no amount of adversity could turn you against me. And as for prosperity, I know, Le, that mine gives you unselfish joy.”
All now in turn shook hands with Roland, and wished him well.
The young man cordially responded to all this sympathetic pleasure.