As he drew forward the plump widow with a face full of smiles and tears, a second rush was made, and congratulations, salutes, exclamations and embraces were indulged in to every one’s satisfaction.
As the excitement subsided the major said, simply,—
“We were married yesterday at Montreaux. Let me hope that you will prove as faithful as I have been, as happy as I am, as blest as I shall be. I loved this lady in my youth, have waited many years, and am rewarded at last, for love never comes too late.”
The falter in his cheery voice, the dimness of his eyes, the smile on his lips, and the gesture with which he returned the pressure of the hand upon his arm, told the little romance of the good major’s life more eloquently than pages of fine writing, and touched the hearts of those who loved him.
“I have been faithful for eleven years. Give me my reward soon, won’t you, dear?” whispered Sidney.
“Don’t marry me to-morrow, and if mamma is willing I’ll think about it by and by,” answered Amy.
“It is beautiful! let us go and do likewise,” said Sigismund to his betrothed.
But Helen, anxious to turn the thoughts of all from emotions too deep for words, drew from her pocket a small pearl-colored object, which she gave to Amy with mock solemnity, as she said, turning to lay her hand again in her lover’s,—
“Amy, our search is over. You may keep the gloves; I have the baron.”