love of yours! for without it I should
not be saved. Let the whole world forsake me, and you remain true, what
care I? Gabrielle, you have guarded me like an angel."

Jim could say no more. He choked and could not go on. Was sincerity to
be doubted when so emphasized? Could there be aught of guile in that
embrace?

"Jim, I have never doubted you--I never could doubt you, for do I not
know your heart as you know mine?" assured Gabrielle, meeting his frank
eyes steadily with hers. "You are my plain hero, untrumpeted, except by
all your friends who have known you here for years. Never ask me again
of the base charges father has listened to. I trust my love, which I see
answered in those boyish eyes--in every kind word and act. Jim, I love
you and we shall be married; we shall plan our own life in the light of
this love, and doing that we have naught to fear. We shall welcome true
friends, who will be loyal to us because we are loyal to our own ideals,
and so father shall be won to us, and Mr. Hopkins may turn toward us
again. Our troubles are largely our fears, Mr. MacDonald says, and I
believe him. How foolish to fear when we may enjoy repose through faith
and love!"

"Gabrielle, my darling, you will never again be questioned by me. So
long as you have faith, let the rest of the world go hang! Poor Ben
Hopkins, I would like to see him, though."

I give no notice here as to when the embrace released. It is quite
possible that it continued until late in the afternoon, with
hand-holding modifications, when Nellie returned and sang loudly in
another room for warning and company. The fleeting hours that the happy
pair looked out from one of those magic windows are not to be recorded
in detail. A lover's log-book is unknown. The fears and conspiracies
that might have harassed them found no leverage of doubt to pry an
entrance into Gabrielle's heart. Every wave of the higher air wafted
from Trinity's steeple, brought them the joy of marriage bells. Even
without a lame leg, Jim would never have thought of running away from
that place.

The wedding was to take place in the afternoon of Wednesday, only three
weeks off. Mr. Tescheron was to be notified in due time that it would be
held at the Episcopal church to which the family belonged. That part of
the ceremony calling for the giving away of the bride would be omitted.
Only a few relatives and dear friends would be present, and they would
understand Gabrielle's purpose to