But there was another equally—nay, if possible more—glad, and that was the loving Bertha.
She did not faint.
She was made of heroic stuff, and while she rested her head on her husband's shoulder she whispered her congratulations on his return.
"But you are ill. You look so poorly."
"Yes, dear, but I am alive, and to be with you will be better than medicine or physician's skill."
At the wedding feast the honored guest was John Tempest.
All were waiting for his story, all knew that there would be sadness in its recital.
Only one question had Vernon asked.
"What of the Lively Bee?"