Mr. Ham went away and continued his preparations to marry the glittering Miss Estabrooks.
When news reached the Hams that Roland and his beloved Aster were wedded, Lydia, who was by this time likewise a wife, said:
'I don't envy that 'ere one her bargain. You would never now, would you, dear, ask anybody out to fight a dool?'
Lydia, at least, told the truth.
Aster lived very happily with Roland, and she still retains the beauty for which, in those olden days, she was so noted. Before handing this manuscript to the publishers, I went to her dear, cosy old home and read the sheets.
'Why,' she said,' you have it all down just as accurately as if you had been with us during that dreadful time. But you make me too beautiful; that is the only fault. I want you to look up my grandson; he attends college at Toronto.'
Kissing her dear hand, I said good-bye; and I beg likewise to say good-bye to my readers.