"Where is your brother this morning, Miss Kent? I wish to speak to him."
"In the stable, I think. Shall I go and see?"
"Not at all. I will go myself."
He walked away, humming a tune, in the happiness of his heart. Ah! shone ever winter sun so brightly before, looked ever the work-a-day world so paradisiacal as now! The earth and all thereon was transformed as with an enchanter's wand to this middle-aged legal gentleman in love.
Uncle Reuben, busy among his cattle, looked up in some surprise at sight of his early visitor.
"Don't let me interfere with your work, Kent," the lawyer said. "You can attend to your horses and listen, too. I must leave the day after to-morrow; my business has been too long neglected, and I have something of importance to tell you before I go. Something I hope—I believe, you will not be sorry to hear."
The eyes of the two men met. There was a peculiar smile on the lawyer's face, a happy light in his eyes, and Reuben Kent's countenance grew suddenly bright with intelligence.
"Is it about Norry?"
A smile and a nod answered him.
"Then I reckon I can guess. You have asked her to marry you?"