It needed no words of explanation from either—­no renewal of early vows—­no new pledges of affection—­for “Love hath wordless language all its own, Heard in the heart—–­”

“My dear children!” said the father, coming forward, as soon as he could recall his bewildered senses, and taking both in his arms, “the long night has at last broken, and the blessed sun has thrown his first bright beams upon us.  Let us look up to him who chasteneth his children for good, and bless him not only for the present joy, but for past sorrow—­it was not sent in anger, but in mercy.”

The departure of Mr. Ballantine and Eugenia was deferred for some days, during which time, at the urgent solicitation of Mr. Perkins, the nuptial ceremonies, so long delayed, were celebrated.  He then accompanied them to New Orleans, where a summary proceeding restored to Mr. Ballantine all his property.  He did not resume business, but returned to the North to reside with his daughter and her husband.

Nothing more remains to be said, except that Mrs. Gaston was never after compelled to work for the slop-shop men.  Mr. Perkins and his lovely wife cared well for her.

THE FATHER’S DREAM.

By T. S. Arthur.

When Mr. William Bancroft, after much reflection, determined upon matrimony, he was receiving, as a clerk, the moderate salary of four hundred dollars, and there was no immediate prospect of any increase.  He had already waited over three years, in the hope that one or two hundred dollars per annum would be added to his light income.  But, as this much-desired improvement in his condition did not take place, and both he and his lady-love grew impatient of delay, it was settled between them, that, by using strict economy in their expenses, they could get along very well on four hundred dollars a year.

“If there should be no increase of family,” was the mental exception that forced itself upon Mr. Bancroft, but this he hardly felt at liberty to suggest; and as it was the only reason he could urge against the step that was so favorably spoken of by his bride to be, he could do no less than resolve, with a kind of pleasant desperation, to take it and let the worst come, if it must come.  Single blessedness had become intolerable.  Three years of patient waiting had made even patience, itself, no longer a virtue.

So the marriage took place.  Two comfortable rooms in a very comfortable house, occupied by a very agreeable family, with the use of the kitchen, were rented for eighty dollars a year, and, in this modest style, housekeeping was commenced.  Mrs. Bancroft did all her own work, with the exception of the washing.  This was not a very serious labor—­indeed, it was more a pleasure than a toil, for she was working for the comfort of one she loved.

“Would I not rather do this than live as I have lived for the past three years?” she would sometimes say to herself, from the very satisfaction of mind she felt.  “Yes, a hundred times!”