"We have had a happy evening, at least I have," he said, in a low voice; "the autumn is so beautiful, and you are so kind and good."
She did not speak; but a faint wistful smile came to her lips as she placed her hand softly in his own.
"Look! the picture is smiling on you now!" said Verty; "you are just alike—both so beautiful!"
"Oh!" murmured Redbud, blushing; "like mamma?"
"Yes," said Verty, "and I saw the lips smile when I spoke."
They stood thus hand in hand—the tender mother-eyes upon them: then he turned and went away, looking back tenderly to the last.
Had the dim canvas smiled upon them, as they stood there hand in hand—a blessing on them from the far other world?
CHAPTER LX.
THE LODGE IN THE HILLS.
Sitting by the crackling twigs which drove away the cool airs of the autumn night with their inspiring warmth, the young man, whose early fortunes we have thus far endeavored to narrate, leaned his head upon his hand, and mused and dreamed.