“‘She was mine before she ever saw him.’

“Your grandfather actually hissed at him with contempt.

“‘Go—­before I strike you!’

“The young man hesitated for a few moments, saw that it was useless to remain longer at that time, and went.

“The next day Mr. Burt sent for Dr. Peewee.

“The moment I knew what he intended to do I ran to your grandfather and told him that Colonel Wayne was not a fit husband for his daughter.  But when I told him that the Colonel had deserted me, Mr. Burt laughed scornfully.

“’You, Mrs. Simcoe?  Why, you have lost your wits.  Remember, Colonel Wayne is a gentleman of the oldest family, and you are—­you were—­’

“‘I was a poor country girl,’ said I, ’and Colonel Wayne loved me, and I loved him, and here is the pledge and proof of it.’

“I drew out his miniature as I spoke, and held it before your grandfather’s eyes.  He fairly staggered, and rang the bell violently.

“‘Call Colonel Wayne,’ he said, hastily, to the servant.

“In a moment the Colonel came in.  I saw his color change as his eye fell upon me, holding the locket in my hand, and upon your grandfather’s flushed face.

“‘Colonel Wayne, have you ever seen Mrs. Simcoe before?’

“He was very pale, and there were sallow circles under his eyes as he spoke; but he said, calmly,

“‘Not to my knowledge.’

“Scorn made me icily calm.

“‘Who gave me that, Sir?’ said I, thrusting the miniature almost into his face.

“He took it in his hand and looked at it.  I saw his lip work and his throat quiver with an involuntary spasm.

“‘I am sure I do not know.’

“I was speechless.  Your grandfather was confounded.  Colonel Wayne looked white, but resolute.

“‘God only is my witness,’ said I, slowly, as if the words came gasping from my heart.  ‘So help me God, I loved him, and he loved me.’

“A quiver ran through his frame as I spoke, but he preserved the same placidity of face.

“‘There is some mistake, Mrs. Simcoe,’ said your grandfather, not unkindly, to me.  ‘Go to your room.’

“I obeyed, for my duty was done.”

Mrs. Simcoe paused, and rocked silently to and fro.  Hope took her hand and kissed it reverently.  Presently the narration was quietly resumed: 

“I told your mother my story.  But she was stunned by her own grief, and I do not think she comprehended me.  Dr. Peewee came, and she was married.  Your mother did not say yes—­for she could not utter a word—­but the ceremony proceeded.  I heard the words, ‘Whom God hath joined together,’ and I laughed aloud, and fell fainting.

“It was a few days after the marriage, when Colonel Wayne and his wife were absent, that your grandfather said to me,

“’Mrs. Simcoe, your story seems to be true.  But think a moment.  A man like Colonel Wayne must have had many experiences.  We all do.  He has been rash, and foolish, and thoughtless, I have no doubt.  He may even have trifled with your feelings.  I am very sorry.  If he has done so, I think he ought to have acknowledged it the other day.  But I hope sincerely that we shall all let by-gones be by-gones, and live happily together.  Ah!  I see dinner is ready.  Good-day, Mrs. Simcoe.  Dr. Peewee, will you ask a blessing?’”