"It is a legacy, however, which the good alone can leave their friends," said Miss Agnes.
And so it proved, indeed; after the first severe grief of the sudden bereavement had passed away, the young man was remembered among his friends with a peculiar tenderness, connected with his youth, his genius, his excellent character, his blameless life, and early death. Life had been but a morning to Charlie Hubbard, but it was a glowing summer morning; its hours had not been wasted, abused, misspent; brief as they were, yet in passing they had brought blessings to himself, to his fellow-beings; and they had left to those who loved him the best consolations of memory.
CHAPTER XXIII. {XLVI}
"Is not true love of higher price
Than outward form, though fair to see?"
COLERIDGE.
{Samuel Taylor Coleridge (English poet, 1772-1834), "Separation" lines 9-10}
HARRY had a busy autumn that year. He had two important objects in view, and within a few weeks he succeeded in accomplishing both. He was very desirous, now all difficulties were removed, that his marriage with Elinor should not be deferred any longer than was absolutely necessary.
"There cannot be the shadow of a reason, love, for waiting," he said to her within a few days of the explanation. "Remember, it is now six years since you first promised to become my wife—since we were first engaged."
"Six years, off and on," said Elinor smiling.
"Not really off more than a moment."
Elinor shook her head and smiled.