present appearance, and I
know he's happier in his natural state.'

This was obviously true. William, his feet once more installed on the
mantelpiece, pulling hard at his pipe (filled for him by Marion's
loving hands) was a picture of perfect contentment.

But it was some time before I ventured to put the question to him that
was uppermost in my thoughts.

'Are you happy, William?' I asked tensely when, for a moment, we were
alone. 'Was my advice for better or for worse?'

He took my hand and wrung it warmly. 'My dear Netta!' he exclaimed,
'what a fool I was to hesitate even for a moment. Had it not been for
you--and, I think I ought to add, Elizabeth--I might never have won
such a treasure as my dear Marion. "Marriage," as Dr. Johnson has
said, "is the best state for man in general," and although he added
that it is more necessary to a man than a woman as he is less able to
supply himself with domestic comforts, I think in that case it is put
too crudely. I look upon it as something higher and nobler.'

'That's all right, then,' I said, relieved. 'Dr. Johnson seems to have
as sound a philosophy as Elizabeth.'

As I sat meditating before the fire that evening, after the departure
of the happy couple, Elizabeth entered. Her face betokened anxiety.
'You--you--didn't tell 'em anything, I 'ope?' she demanded.

'Under the circumstances I did not, Elizabeth. They seemed quite happy
and so----'

'"Let sleepin' dogs lie,"' she supplemented.

'You seem able to lie a great deal more than sleeping dogs,' I said
severely. 'In future, remember to stick to the truth or you may get
yourself--and other people--into serious trouble.'

'Right-o, 'm. But Mr. Roarings seemed satisfied enough. Look wot 'e
gave me to-day?'--she held out two crisp banknotes. ''E sed they were
for my own troosoo,' she added gleefully.

'What, Elizabeth, are you going to be married next?' asked Henry, as he
strolled into the room at that moment.

'Well, I ain't got a party in view as yet, sir. But as I always ses,
you never know wot a day may bring forth. The Signs 'ave been good for
me lately. Isn't there a sayin' somewhere about not knowing the day
nor the 'our when the young man may come along? Well, I always think
it's best to be prepared, like.'

She went out, but returned a moment later bearing a tray in her hand.

'What is this?' I inquired.

'I thort p'raps you'd like to drink to the occashun of the 'appy
'ome-coming