“Papa will never stand in the way of our happiness,” he cried, eagerly.
“But, Ray, he will be so lonely.”
“No, dear, for he must come to Bonnie View and live with us, so he will only gain a son instead of losing a daughter.”
Alston Mead was easily brought to take Chester’s view of the case, the more easily because he had in his heart a secret he would never confide to any.
In the last few years an incurable disease of the heart had fastened upon him, and the most eminent physicians had told him he had not much longer to live, even if he settled down to quiet days for the rest of his life.
It had pained him to think of leaving beautiful Leola alone in the world, heiress to his wealth, perhaps to become the prey of designing fortune-hunters.
Now all that tangle would be straightened out by her speedy marriage.
He gave consent gladly to all that Chester Olyphant proposed, and he said to himself:
“Now, whether I die in a few months or live long enough to name my first grandchild, I shall pass away in peace, knowing that Leola’s heart can rest safely in her husband’s love.”
So Chester had his way, to the delight of all, and the invitations went out soon for the wedding at the grand cathedral, for Chester wanted all the world to see his peerless bride.