Chapter VII: Part 7

"Perhaps that is too true. And my difficulty is how to convince you that it will not be so in your case, if I can help it."

"Every man is good at promising, and you know the homely proverb about 'Promises being like pie-crust'?"

"Do I look like a deceiver, Mary?"

"I'm sure I can't tell--I've not seen enough of you to know."

"Is that one of the circumstances which you said altered cases?"

"Well--yes; or if it isn't it ought to be, as it's a matter of some importance."

"What are the other circumstances you referred to?" he inquired.

"Well, I suppose you have not forgotten that when I came out here it was with the intention of being married to one of my cousins, who was with us?"

"No, I remember that. It was a dreadful loss, which must have deeply affected you. But regrets for the past should not be allowed to mar all future happiness."

"I know. Time is said to heal all wounds, but the length of time is not stated."

"I was hoping, Mary, you had recovered from the effects by now."

"The scars left by deep wounds are not easily forgotten."

"And such a wound never need be forgotten."

"All very fine now, Mr. Barton," replied Mary. "Seriously, I do not feel able so soon to give you an answer. The loss and disappointment to me are yet too recent; I have seen so little of you (or you of me), and have given the subject so little thought, that I am not prepared to say what I may be willing to do."

"Well, tell me, Mary, there's a dear girl, in all seriousness, what you wish in the matter, and I will try to make your wishes my law." It must, however, in justice be stated that the question was asked in such a mournful tone, and the assurance given with such a degree of hesitation, that it looked exceedingly doubtful if all that was said was really meant, or that the promise was one which would be kept.

"Since you really want to know my wishes----"

"I do, Mary!" he interrupted.

"Well, don't be so impatient, sir, and I'll try and tell you. My wish is that you press for no answer for six months, during which time we shall be able to meet as friends and become better acquainted with each other, when it may happen that friendship will not improve upon acquaintance; in which case, no harm will be done, as we shall each be able to take our own course, and be saved many useless regrets."

"Your conditions are hard, Mary, but I can't say they are unjust; nor am I afraid of the result you foreshadow."

"In that case, the subject can be again resumed. In the meanwhile, let's agree to leave the future to look after itself."

"If I thought there was any chance of your relenting, Mary, I would try and urge you----"

"Then please don't," she interrupted, "for it will not be the slightest use."

This was said with so much of resolution and determination in the tone, that Barton, seeing it would be useless to press his wishes further, reluctantly consented to the arrangement proposed.

During the interval, as stipulated, Barton had frequent opportunities of converse with Mary, the result being to bring out more clearly the fact that there was an affinity of souls between them which paved the way for that union of hearts which, when the six months had expired, and he renewed his request, was confirmed by a union of hands, with the usual formula--"_till death do its part_."

* * * * *

The wedding of Jessie Russell with Fellows was celebrated at the time fixed, amid general merry-making. The company was not a large one, comprising, as it did, besides the chief actors, only the few work-people in Ranger's service--in all some fourteen persons.

When the ceremony was over, and the feasting had been vigorously started, Ralph drove away for Kinbrae with his smiling bride, followed by the hearty cheers and good wishes of all.

THE END

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