'The telegram said, "Henry has been offered a good post. We come home in a month's time."'
'But you will live with us until you are married, won't you? You do not mean to go back to be Mrs. Arderne's companion?'
The squire and the colonel entered the room, arm-in-arm, and heard Agatha's eager question.
'My dear, Catherine has promised not to desert us,' said Uncle Ross with a smile—'not until she marries. But as I mean Brian North to become editor of The Circle as soon as possible, her stay with us may not last as long as we could wish for our own sakes.'
'Oh, uncle, you are good to me!'
The squire turned to his brother.
'Niece Catherine scarcely seems to know the value of the work she has done for me, John. I am under an obligation to her which I can never repay. Money is not of the immense value I believed it to be, my dear; but I am thankful it can help you and Brian to be happy.'
Catherine tried to express her feelings in words, but the task was a difficult one. Her eyes were full of tears of joy as she looked from one uncle to the other, as they stood side by side, smiling at one another.
'God be blessed and praised for the mercy He has shown us, and the manner in which He has taken away our trials!' said Uncle Jack. 'The troubles are over for us all; it is well for us to remember the words, "Let us love one another, for love is of God." Lassie, this is the happiest day of my life!'
'Even happier than the day when you first wore the Queen's uniform, guardian?' asked Agatha.