I have saved the rest of
the letter for you."
"Read it, please."
"MY DEAR CHILDREN: You are a pair of young ostriches--you know what they
do. Did you suppose a middle-aged ostrich could not use her eyes? I did
think it took a quite needless length of time."
"Isn't that absurd, John, as if--"
"Well, what more?"
She read on--"I dislike long engagements--"
"Now, that is better, Leila."
"Your uncle says you must live at Grey Pine. I said, no--young married
people had better be alone. He must build you a house on the river nearer
the mills. I am making a list of what furniture you will require--"
"There is more of that--much more, John, and a list of things to be done
before her return. Isn't that like what aunt was before the war?"
John laughed. "Well, she will have her way."
"More or less," said Leila. "Oh, there's another postscript!"
"Well?"
"I think you should be married about Christmas week. Of course, Mark
Rivers will marry you, and I shall ask the Bishop to assist, when I see
him on our way home. Don't fail to write to both your uncles."
"It is certainly complete," said John. He left for Pittsburgh that night.
* * * * *
I have little to add to this long story. The days went by swiftly, and
after a week all of the family, except John, were once more together at
Grey Pine.
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