he red roses--ah, Leslie, what
are the red roses?"

"Love triumphant," said Leslie in a low voice.

"Yes--love triumphant and perfect. Leslie, you know--you understand.
I have loved you from the first. And I KNOW you love me--I don't need
to ask you. But I want to hear you say it--my darling--my darling!"

Leslie said something in a very low and tremulous voice. Their hands
and lips met; it was life's supreme moment for them and as they stood
there in the old garden, with its many years of love and delight and
sorrow and glory, he crowned her shining hair with the red, red rose of
a love triumphant.

Anne and Gilbert returned presently, accompanied by Captain Jim. Anne
lighted a few sticks of driftwood in the fireplace, for love of the
pixy flames, and they sat around it for an hour of good fellowship.

"When I sit looking at a driftwood fire it's easy to believe I'm young
again," said Captain Jim.

"Can you read futures in the fire, Captain Jim?" asked Owen.

Captain Jim looked at them all affectionately and then back again at
Leslie's vivid face and glowing eyes.

"I don't need the fire to read your futures," he said. "I see
happiness for all of you--all of you--for Leslie and Mr. Ford--and the
doctor here and Mistress Blythe--and Little Jem--and children that
ain't born yet but will be. Happiness for you all--though, mind you, I
reckon you'll have your troubles and worries and sorrows, too. They're
bound to come--and no house, whether it's a palace or a little house of
dreams, can bar 'em out. But they won't get the better of you if you
face 'em TOGETHER with love and trust. You can weather any storm with
them two for compass and pilot."

The old man rose suddenly and placed one hand on Leslie's head and one
on Anne's.

"Two good, sweet women," he said. "True and faithful and to be
depended on. Your husbands will have honor in the gates because of
you--your children will rise up and call you blessed in the years to
come."

There was a strange solemnity about the little scene. Anne and Leslie
bowed as those receiving a benediction. Gilbert suddenly brushed his
hand over his eyes; Owen Ford was rapt as one who can see visions. All
were silent for a space. The little house of dreams added another
poignant and unforgettable moment to its store of memories.

"I must be going now," said Captain Jim slowly at last. He took up his
hat and looked lingeringly about the room.

"Good night, all