"Yes, as long as time will let me."
"Then say no more about it," Rhoda answered, with a little pallor; "if the rest are willing, a poor girl like me will not refuse you, but say, like Ruth, 'Spread thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.' I love your daughter."
Meshach Milburn, not more than half pleased with the turn affairs had taken, hastened to Princess Anne in advance and sought William Tilghman.
"Dear friend," he said, "I hope your heart was not committed to my wayward niece?"
"Has she engaged herself to another, Cousin Meshach?"
"Yes, to Judge Custis. You know what a taking way he has with girls. It was not my match, William."
Milburn looked at the young man and beheld no disappointment on his face—rather a flush of spirit.
"Cousin Meshach," he said, cheerfully, "I thought I could make Rhoda happy; I thought I interpreted her right. Since I was mistaken, it is better that she has been sincere. No, my heart is still a bachelor's and a priest's. See, cousin! The bishop has sent for me to take a larger field."
He united Rhoda and the Judge, as he had married his first love—to another; she was pale and in tears; he kissed her at the altar, and gave his hand to the Judge warmly:
"I know you will be a better Christian, Cousin Daniel. God has given you much love on the earth. Our prayers for you have been answered."