"It's a good emblem," he said, kissing her—"Sweet Briar—sweet Love!—not without thorns, which are the safety of the rose!"
A slow step sounded on the garden path, and they saw Helmsley approaching, with the tiny "Charlie" running at his heels. Pausing on the threshold of the open door, he looked at them with a questioning smile.
"Well, did you see the sunset?" he asked, "Or only each other?"
Mary ran to him, and impulsively threw her arms about his neck.
"Oh David!" she said. "Dear old David! I am so happy!"
He was silent,—her gentle embrace almost unmanned him. He stretched out a hand to Angus, who grasped it warmly.
"So it's all right!" he said, in a low voice that trembled a little. "You've settled it together?"
"Yes—we've settled it, David!" Angus answered cheerily. "Give us your blessing!"
"You have that—God knows you have that!"—and as Mary, in her usual kindly way, took his hat and stick from him, keeping her arm through his as he went to his accustomed chair by the fireside, he glanced at her tenderly. "You have it with all my heart and soul, Mr. Reay!—and as for this dear lady who is to be your wife, all I can say is that you have won a treasure—yes, a treasure of goodness and sweetness and patience, and most heavenly kindness——"
His voice failed him, and the quick tears sprang to Mary's eyes.