"If Dad could only know how happy I am in spite of all the sorrow I have known!" muttered Leonie. "Dear old Dad, if he could only have lived to see his little girl as she is now! But surely up there with God he knows it all, and the joy with my mother is as great as mine!"
She gazed up at her young, handsome lover fondly.
"I hope we will not be punished for our happiness, Lynde," she said slowly. "It seems dreadful when one thinks of——"
She hesitated, and he closed her lips with a caress.
"There can be no wrong in the love that God has given, my dearest!" he whispered. "Why should we try to conceal what our whole hearts are crying aloud?"
She made no attempt to answer him, but allowed him to comfort her, now that the long wait was ended.
She had made no move to leave when Mr. Pryor entered.
"Have you two effected your compromise yet?" he questioned dryly.
Leonie colored guiltily.
"We have, sir!" returned Lynde, with manly quiet and dignity. "Under the circumstances that exist, we wish the matter to remain our secret for the present, or rather that of the family. Perhaps we have been premature, but——"