Lyle justice, more than all this was
the desire to please his friend, to make some amends for the past. In
years gone by these two men had been rivals for the love of
Constance's mother.
Moreton was a high-minded, noble fellow, and when he became sure that
young Lyle was the favored one, not a thought of ill-feeling entered
his heart against his friend; but going to him, with his usual candor
and generosity, he said:
"I shall go away for a while. It will be rather too much for me to
bear witnessing your happiness, just yet. I shall get over it in time,
though. Heaven bless you, dear friend, and grant you happiness and
prosperity. No one will pray for your welfare more sincerely than
myself. Bid her good-by for me. After a while I'll be back, to stand
god-father to some of your little ones, perhaps."
He remained away three years; and then returned home, bringing with
him a fair, fragile little creature, who remained with him scarce two
years; leaving the little Gerald to comfort and console the bereaved
man, and be a loving reminder of the gentle little dove, who had loved
him so dearly, and then winged her flight above, to watch over and
pray for the coming of her loved ones.
Pages:
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194