When Crona with her charge alighted from the hansom that had driven them from court to the little cottage of Chops's parents, the first to meet her was Chops himself. The second was Wallace. Ah! what a welcome that dog's was! From the tones of his voice it really seemed as if he were crying and scolding her lovingly at the same time. Why had she gone away so long and left him to break his heart? He would ne'er have gone away from her, and so on, and so forth in a dog's own way.
Distant but wealthy relations of Lotty's were constituted her legal guardians; but the girl determined—and had her own way too, for what is the good of being rich if you don't have your own way?—determined that Crona should be always with her; she and she alone would be her real guardian, her own dear fairy godmother.
It was fully four years after this before Frank Antony returned from his wanderings. But Aggie his sister had told him all the news.
It is needless to say that his father freely forgave the brave and dashing young man who came with firm step up the avenue one fine forenoon. He was now four-and-twenty.
'Father,' he said, 'I've had my fling, and you may do with me as you please.'
'I think, Frank, my boy, I shall choose a bride for you. That will be best, Frank.'
'I think, father,' said the son laughing, 'I'm almost old enough to choose one for myself.—What do you think, mother? Oh, dear old mummy, how sweet you look even through your foolish tears!'
'Well, anyhow, you shall see the young lady we shouldn't mind you marrying,' said his father. 'She is here on a visit; and, lo! yonder she comes.'
A beautiful young girl of nineteen was coming slowly up the garden-path hand in hand with Crona; and Wallace himself next moment had his paws on Antony's shoulder.