“Dear uncle!” Joseph cried, “do you really think for one moment that I wish to marry Hannah for the sake of money. Do not even [[60]]think that I would take a penny piece if I am not allowed to marry her. I do not think of money or worldly things now, for I know that love is the best of all treasures. In Hannah have I found my ideal; she alone of all women on earth will be mine, even as I alone of all men will be hers, now and always. Providence is not against us, for I feel that we are destined to make one another happy. Moreover, in our happiness you and dear aunt will find your true peace and joy.”
Seeing the folly of prolonging the discussion, David consented to carry out his promise, and said that he would at once tell the news to Hannah and her mother. No sooner had he disclosed the proposal to his daughter than she began to weep and to pray to God for His support and counsel. Joyfully would she have suffered death sooner than see any harm befall Joseph, whom she loved with all her heart. She knew how noble was his character, and she realized that nothing would induce him to change his mind. She felt that she was helpless and that there was nothing to be done except to put her life and that of her beloved Joseph in the hands of God.
Later in the day Joseph came to her and placed the engagement ring on her finger, meanwhile saying,— [[61]]
“With this ring art thou betrothed unto me according to the Law of Moses and of Israel.”
They sealed their engagement by a sweet kiss, exchanging promises of love and constancy. In spite of her happiness, tears welled up in her eyes, for she knew that their great joy and love were in the balance. Joseph tried to console her by telling her that all would be well.
The news of their engagement soon spread in the town where they lived, and the friends of Hannah’s parents came to wish the couple joy and good luck; thinking that their congratulations would gladden the hearts of Hannah and of her parents. Joseph’s usual good humour was intensified by the happy event. He sought out the poor, to whom he gave gifts of money, well remembering the poverty in which he had lived till he came to his uncle.
A few weeks later the ceremony of marriage was fixed to be celebrated. Once again Hannah put on her bridal attire, thinking the while of the terrible misfortunes she had experienced. At last the hour came when she stood with Joseph at her side beneath the wedding canopy.
Just as the marriage service was about to begin, an old man, unknown to all the assembled guests, approached Joseph and asked him to give him a moment’s attention, because he had to tell him something of vital importance. [[62]]Joseph immediately turned aside with the stranger and asked him if he required any help. The stranger replied,—
“I come to help you, for I know that you have a good and kind heart. I ask you to remember that wealth will not avail in the hour of your need, charity alone will save you and deliver you from death. Be hospitable this day and invite to your wedding feast the poor who will bless you for your kindness. This is all I have to say, and now let me go, for I wish you well.”
The stranger was Elijah the prophet, the friend and comforter of all in trouble and distress.