She put down her head, and looked at him very archly.
'Well, I don't care, my beloved, what you say in answer, but do you think you love me now?'
For answer, she put her beautiful head upon his breast. I do not know what they said, but when they stood up—she to answer the door bell, for the servant was out—they were engaged; and she had his ring upon her finger.
He was at Aster's own house, sitting with her during the anxious hours of her father's illness. The shock of the abduction had actually over-set his reason; and it was not till he saw his daughter standing over his bed, and felt her hand in his, that consciousness came back. In a little while he was able to listen to a recital of the entire story from her lips. When she had ended, tears stood in the old man's eyes.
'I have treated that young man with cruel injustice. If he wanted to wed you now, my love, it would give me great joy to say "yes," and bestow my blessing.'
'He has asked me, papa;' and she hid her head to cover her blushes.
'He now wants only your consent. He is in the house.'
'Send him to me, dear, at once.'
In about a quarter of an hour, Roland returned from the room, radiant with happiness and leading Aster by the hand.
They were sitting before the cheerful winter-fire, when he asked her,
'What has become of Mr. Ham?'