"That they are very beautiful, very luxurious. And oh what a lovely view from yonder window!"
"And from this, is it not?" he said, stepping aside and turning her chair a little that she might see, through a vista of grand old trees, the lagoon beyond sparkling in the sunlight.
"Oh that is finer still!" she cried. "I should think one might almost be content to live a close prisoner here."
"Then I may hope my dear wife will not be unhappy here? will not regret leaving the beauties of Viamede and the charming society there for this place and the companionship of its owner? Molly, dearest, this is Magnolia Hall; you are its mistress, and these are your own rooms," he said, kneeling by her side to fold her to his heart with tenderest caresses.
"It is too much, oh you are too good to me!" she sobbed, as her head dropped upon his shoulder.
On leaving Mr. Embury and Molly, Mr. Dinsmore hastened to join his wife and daughter, who were sitting together on the lawn. The interview between the lovers having taken place in a part of the grounds not visible from where they sat, they had seen nothing of it.
"You look like the bearer of glad tidings, my dear," Rose remarked, glancing inquiringly at her husband as he seated himself at her side.
"And so I am, wife," he answered joyously. "Elsie, you may spare yourself any further regrets because of your kindness to Mr. Embury. He is a noble, generous-hearted fellow, and very much in love with our poor, dear Molly. They are engaged."
"Engaged?" echoed both ladies simultaneously, as much surprised and pleased as he had hoped to see them.
"Yes," he said, and went on to repeat what had passed between himself and the newly-affianced pair.