"They are coming!" she announced, "and we must tell them! What will they think?"
Across the field came the young lovers, talking and laughing in the gayest of spirits. Their faces were flushed with vigourous exercise, and every motion of their bodies betokened abounding health. Life was very sweet to them on this bright summer day as they advanced toward the silent group anxiously awaiting their coming beneath the spreading branches of the friendly old apple tree.
CHAPTER XXX
JOY AT EVENTIDE
It was early that evening as Jess kissed her father and advised him to go to sleep at once.
"You are tired, daddy, after the excitement of the day, so you need a good long rest."
"I suppose I do," was the reply. "But it will be somewhat hard to get to sleep after the events of the afternoon. Isn't it wonderful, Jess, what a change has come over your mother? I never saw anything like it."
"A great burden has been lifted from her mind, that's the reason. And, daddy, you forgive me for what I did?"
"Certainly, dear, certainly. But I am not your father any longer, remember."
"Oh, yes you are," and the girl smiled. "Just behave as you have since your accident, and I wouldn't change you for any man I know."