Prescott told all the story; how happy they had been together, and how well they had borne the loss of their fortune; and how brave and hopeful and true Frank’s wife had been.
“Dear Katie; I shall love her so much,” Alice said. “How happy Frank has been in having such a brave heart to stand by his side in his misfortune. How proud he must be of her.”
“Yes,” Prescott said; “his wife is indeed one in a thousand, Miss Heathcote. Frank has been a very lucky man, in spite of his troubles.”
“This quite reminds me of old times, Mr. Prescott, when you were a boy at Westminster; Frank’s faithful Achates, as he used to call you.”
“Yes; that’s a long time back now, Miss Heathcote; you used to call me Prescott in those days.”
“Ah, I was a little girl in those days, Mr. Prescott, with short frocks, and a small development of respect. There is six o’clock striking; I must go up and dress for dinner.”
Prescott sat quiet for some time. It was a long time back. Twelve years; and he had loved her ever since; might he yet hope to win this great prize some day?
CHAPTER XV
RECONCILED.
Captain Bradshaw returned to dinner in a greatly mollified state, and that meal passed off very pleasantly. The talk turned principally upon Frank and his doings, for Captain Bradshaw, as well as Alice, was anxious to know all that had occurred since they had been separated. It was very pleasant to them to be able to talk unrestrainedly upon a subject which they both had so much at heart, but which had been so long interdicted. Only once was Captain Bradshaw’s wrath kindled into expression.