"We are so glad now for the waiting time," he said with suppressed joy, "we understand each other much better than we could ever have done without it."
Like all people of big natures, when he gave in he gave in entirely. There was no looking back on time wasted, no more reproaches. "But where is Miss Whitburn?" He lowered his voice, "We owe it all to her."
"Jeanie, you do look so beautiful! I am glad it was this evening. Toney says we are to sleep here, and mother is all right, and——" The Honble. Edward interrupted her sentence.
"Miss Whitburn is asking for you, Miss Hamilton; she is at the top of the room."
Jeanie went off with Frank, but she reflected sadly there was no need now of courage to follow him. She would never forgive herself the pain she had given him, whatever he might say.
Maud looked up at Edward Lang with a radiant face.
"You have heard, haven't you? It was an old romance gone wrong, which Toney set her mind to right, and she has succeeded. I wish her—romance could end as happily!"
The two remained talking together whilst Jeanie enjoyed a triumphal procession. When they reached her Toney held out both her hands and whispered,
"Mr. Weston, isn't she beautiful? You do look as if you had forgiven me!"
"Forgiven you! But for you we should have——"