The next night a small party assembled at the house of Mr. Douglass, in Frankfort, where Nellie was transformed into Nellie Livingstone.  Perhaps it was the remembrance of the young girl to whom his vows had once before been plighted, that made John Jr. appear for a time as if he were in a dream.  But the moment they rallied him upon the strangeness of his manner, he brightened up, saying that he was trying to get used to thinking that Nellie was really his.  It had been decided that he should accompany Durward and ’Lena to Europe, and a day or two after his marriage he asked Mr. Everett to go too.  Anna’s eyes fairly danced with joy, as she awaited Malcolm’s reply.  But much as he would like to go, he could not afford it, and so he frankly said, kissing away the big tear which rolled down Anna’s cheek.

With a smile John Jr. placed a sealed package in his sister’s hand, saying to Malcolm, “I have anticipated this and provided for it.  I suppose you are aware that Mabel willed me all her property, which contrary to our expectations, has proved to be considerable.  I know I do not deserve a cent of it, but as she had no nearer relative than Mr. Douglass, I have concluded to use it for the comfort of his daughter and for the good of others.  I want you and Anna to join us, and I’ve given her such a sum as will bear your expenses, and leave you more than you can earn dickering at law for three or four years.  So, puss,” turning to Anna, “it’s all settled.  Now hurrah for the sunny skies of France and Italy, I’ve talked with father about it, and he’s willing to stay alone for the sake of having you go.  Oh, don’t thank me,” he continued, as he saw them about to speak.  “It’s poor little Meb to whom you are indebted.  She loved Anna, and would willingly have her money used for this purpose.”

After a little reflection Malcolm concluded to accept John’s offer, and a happier party never stepped on board a steamer than that which, on the 15th of April, sailed for Europe, which they reached in safety, being at the last accounts in Paris, where they were enjoying themselves immensely.

A few words more, and our story is told.  Just as Mr. Livingstone was getting tolerably well suited with his bachelor life, he was one morning surprised by the return of his wife and daughter, the latter of whom, as we have before stated, took up her abode at Maple Grove.  Almost every day the old captain rides over to see her, but he generally carries back a longer face than he brings.  The bald spot on his head is growing larger, and to her dismay Carrie has discovered a “crow track” in the corner of her eye.  Frequently, after a war of words with her mother, she announces her intention of returning to Sunnyside, but a sight of the captain is sufficient to banish all such thoughts.  And thus she lives, that most wretched of all beings, an unloving and unloved wife.

During the absence of their children, Mr. and Mrs. Graham remain at Woodlawn, which, as it is the property of Durward, will be his own and ’Lena’s home.