"Helen Rushton this is a fit place for your confession, and you shall not stir until you have made it, my precious one."
The speaker was Cousin Jennie, now Mrs. Leslie Graham.
Mrs. Lawson sat for a moment as if buried in earnest thought, and as her companions glanced at the sweet, sympathetic face they were also affected in turn.
The past with all its light and shade was lovingly touched upon, and as the gentle Marguerite's eyes were dimmed with tears her heart was full of gratitude.
Helen Rushton did make a full confession of her love affairs, expressly for Cousin Jennie. What that confession was we will not say, but presume upon the imagination of the reader. It is several hours later. Helen has retired to her own room, and her old friend lingers lovingly beside her. They chat of other scenes and other days, and the hour flies too quickly.
A step is heard coming through the hall. Ah! the magic of that step.
"It is Phillip, Helen," and a gleam of love lights up the angelic face.
"Good night, dearest," exclaimed Marguerite, embracing her friend in the old school-girl fashion.
"Good night, Marguerite, if my life be indeed half as happy as yours; it is all I ask."
"Yes, Helen, I am truly happy," and the young wife went forth to meet the loving embrace of a tender, true and devoted husband.