Gerald told me. We have all been very
busy blundering. My darling, I have no wife or daughter. Louise is
only mine by adoption. Her father was my dearest friend. This little
one was placed in my arms, an orphan, when only three years old--and
she knew no parent but myself. Can I go to your father, love?"
She no longer tried to release herself from his arms. Lower and lower
drooped the beautiful head until it was pillowed on his breast. He
felt her heart throbbing against his own, and almost bursting with its
fulness of joy. He was answered--rewarded for all the years of
waiting.
At length she raised her head. In her eyes he saw all the love of
years beaming there.
"At last, my Ernest," she said. "I must go to father first and prepare
him to see you."
Springing lightly up the stairs, she entered the room and stood beside
her father's armchair.
He saw her beaming look, and said:
"What is it, Constance? What has brought this great joy to you? You
look so happy."
"Father, we have all been under a great mistake. Ernest has never been
married. That was his adopted daughter. He is waiting to see you; may
I bring him up?"
"Yes, yes. Thank God! my prayers are answered.
Pages:
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205