“Yes, Emily—­well,” replied Mr. Garie; “and you know the conclusion.  My past should be a guarantee for the future.  I had the world before me, and chose you—­and with, you I am contented to share my lot; and feel that I receive, in your affection, a full reward for any of the so-called sacrifices I may make.  So, dry your tears, my dear,” concluded he, “and let us hope for nothing but an increase of happiness as the result.”

After a few moments of silence, he resumed:  “It will be necessary, Emily, to have a couple of witnesses.  Now, whom would you prefer?  I would suggest Mrs. Ellis and her husband.  They are old friends, and persons on whose prudence we can rely.  It would not do to have the matter talked about, as it would expose us to disagreeable comments.”

Mrs. Garie agreed perfectly with him as to the selection of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis; and immediately despatched a note to Mrs. Ellis, asking her to call at their house on the morrow.

When she came, Emily informed her, with some confusion of manner, of the intended marriage, and asked her attendance as witness, at the same time informing her of the high opinion her husband entertained of their prudence in any future discussion of the matter.

“I am really glad he is going to marry you, Emily,” replied Mrs. Ellis, “and depend upon it we will do all in our power to aid it.  Only yesterday, that inquisitive Mrs. Tiddy was at our house, and, in conversation respecting you, asked if I knew you to be married to Mr. Garie.  I turned the conversation somehow, without giving her a direct answer.  Mr. Garie, I must say, does act nobly towards you.  He must love you, Emily, for not one white man in a thousand would make such a sacrifice for a coloured woman.  You can’t tell how we all like him—­he is so amiable, so kind in his manner, and makes everyone so much at ease in his company.  It’s real good in him, I declare, and I shall begin to have some faith in white folks, after all.—­Wednesday night,” continued she; “very well—­we shall be here, if the Lord spare us;” and, kissing Emily, she hurried off, to impart the joyful intelligence to her husband.

The anxiously looked for Wednesday evening at last arrived, and Emily arrayed herself in a plain white dress for the occasion.  Her long black hair had been arranged in ringlets by Mrs. Ellis, who stood by, gazing admiringly at her.

“How sweet you look, Emily—­you only want a wreath of orange blossoms to complete your appearance.  Don’t you feel a little nervous?” asked her friend.

“A little excited,” she answered, and her hand shook as she put back one of the curls that had fallen across her face.  Just then a loud ringing at the door announced the arrival of Dr. Blackly, who was shown into the front parlour.

Emily and Mrs. Ellis came down into the room where Mr. Garie was waiting for them, whilst Mr. Ellis brought in Dr. Blackly.  The reverend gentleman gazed with some surprise at the party assembled.  Mr. Garie was so thoroughly Saxon in appearance, that no one could doubt to what race he belonged, and it was equally evident that Emily, Mrs. Ellis, and her husband, were coloured persons.