And surely you ought to be allowed your own way to-night if
ever."
"To-night and ever after," whispered the happy groom in the ear of his
bride.
A loving, trustful look was her only answer.
A continued rolling of wheels without, and buzz of voices coming from
veranda, hall, and reception rooms, could now be heard.
"The house must be filling fast," said Mr. Dinsmore, "and as host I should
be present to receive and welcome my guests, Travilla," and his voice
trembled slightly, as he took Elsie's right hand and held it for a moment
closely clasped in his; "I do not fear to trust you with what to me is a
greater treasure than all the gold of California. Cherish my darling as
the apple of your eye; I know you will."
He bent down for another silent caress, laid the hand in that of his
friend, and left the room.
"And you do not fear to trust me, my little friend?" Travilla's tones,
too, were tremulous with deep feeling.
"I have not the shadow of a fear," she answered, her eyes meeting his with
an earnest, childlike confidence.
"Bless you for those words, dearest," he said; "God helping me you never
shall have cause to regret them."
A door opened, and a handsome, dark eyed boy, a miniature likeness of his
father, came hurrying in.
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