"Surely," he exclaimed, his face glowing with sudden hope, "you do not mean——"
"I mean that there is nothing in your proposal to offend me. I mean that, if you will give me time, I will question my own heart, and if it responds, my fortune shall not separate us."
"God bless you!" exclaimed Vernon, and his face wore a look of happiness to which it had long been a stranger.
Do any of my readers doubt how it will end?
CHAPTER XLIII.
MAJOR ASHTON AT BAY.
"Well, mother, have you any news to tell me?" asked Paul, when he had received a joyful welcome from his mother and sister.
"There is one item," said Mrs. Palmer. "Of course you have not forgotten Miss Dearborn?"
"As if I would be likely to! I don't forget one who has been so kind to all of us. What about her?"