"Out of the depth into the light," said Clara, and our meal was over.
The days flew by on wings, each wing a promise, and it was a week after we plighted our vows ere I felt ready to read that letter and hear what Louis had to say. Then something came to prevent, and another week had passed when Louis said:
"My Emily, I must have a talk with your father and mother. I cannot feel quite satisfied, and it is only right they should be consulted, for you are their own good girl. I would wait for their hearts to say, 'take her,' if I waited years, but then, my Emily, it is neither giving nor taking, for every change that is right does not ask us ever to give ourselves or our loved ones away. I dislike that term."
"You may wait, Louis; I will tell mother, and she can tell father."
"No, no, Emily! It is I who ask for your hand, and is it not my privilege as well as duty?"
"What a strange man you are growing to be, Louis! Hal couldn't bear the thought of telling mother or father his heart affairs, and I was the medium of communication between them."
"He feels differently about it," said Louis, "and yet he has the tenderest heart I ever knew within the breast of a man."
"He is a good brother, Louis. I could not ask a better."
"Nor find one if you did."
At that moment Matthias came in. Taking off his hat and saluting us in his accustomed way, he said: