“Are you happy, Dolly?” I asked, tremulous from my own joy.
“I have never been happy in all my life before, Richard dear,” she said.
In truth, she was a being transformed, and more wondrous fair than ever. And even then I pictured her in the brave gowns and jewels I would buy her when times were mended, when our dear country would be free. All at once, ere I could draw a breath, she had stooped and kissed me ever so lightly on the forehead.
The door opened upon Aunt Lucy. She had but to look at us, and her black face beamed at our blushes. My lady threw her arms about her neck, and hid her face in the ample bosom.
“Now praise de good Lawd!” cried Mammy; “I knowed it dis longest time. What's I done tole you, Miss Dolly? What's I done tole you, honey?”
But my lady flew from the room. Presently I heard the spinet playing softly, and the words of that air came out of my heart from long ago.
“Love me little, love me long,
Is the burthen of my song.
Love that is too hot and strong
Burneth soon to waste.
Still, I would not have thee cold,
Nor too backward, nor too bold.
Love that lasteth till 'tis old
Fadeth not in haste.”
CHAPTER LVI. HOW GOOD CAME OUT OF EVIL
'Twas about candlelight when I awoke, and Dorothy was sitting alone beside me. Her fingers were resting upon my arm, and she greeted me with a smile all tenderness.