“I will be more than willing; it will relieve me of a great care,” replied Mr. Courtney cordially.
“If there is nothing in Dorton for me to do, I can, I think, get some employment in the neighborhood,” continued Sandy, reflectively.
“I am not anxious to dispose of the horses, Sandy. If you can get any employment in which you can make use of them, you are more than welcome to them until my return.”
“Thank you, sir! I am sure I can, and am more grateful than I can say for your kindness.”
“It will not be necessary now for me to speak to Mrs. Flynn. You have taken that out of my hands,” smiled Mr. Courtney. “I wish you every happiness in your married life.”
“Thank you, sir, we will try to deserve it.”
The next evening in the presence of the Courtneys, Mrs. Merryman, the delighted Norah, and a few of the villagers, the Rev. Carl Courtney performed the ceremony which made Mrs. Flynn Mrs. Sandy MacQuoid, much to the astonishment of Roy and Cecil, who had never suspected any love-making between the dignified Mrs. Flynn and the more dignified Sandy.
As nothing remained to prevent, the following week saw Mr. Valentine Courtney upon the Atlantic, bound for he knew not and cared not where.
CHAPTER XII—JERUSHA FLINT AND HILDA
One favor stipulated by Fred, after his engagement to Hilda, was that she should answer his letters promptly when anything prevented his weekly visit to the farmhouse, and she promised.