God implanted in man's breast, even in Paradise, this want for some one to love and cherish, and without which he would feel defrauded and impoverished, and would soon harden and sour; and to woman, no less, had He given the need for support and comfort, even as the ivy sought the help of a stronger stay on which it might cling and grow up heavenward. And so surely on a marriage such as theirs, a holy, true love marriage, a double blessing would rest.

With the joy and brightness of her hopes had come back to Effie much of the beauty of her youth, nay, something even better, for there was a calm, patient look brought there by affliction, which her youth wanted, and she looked a grand woman with her still rich complexion, broad and intelligent brow and serene lips, as she stood by Davie's side in the homely cottage and vowed to be a faithful and loving wife to him, And Davie, now known as Captain Gordon, seemed no unworthy mate for her, in his handsome uniform, his brown hair still clustering round his ample forehead, and his eyes, the old eyes of Davie as a boy, still looking bright and intelligent. Arthur Harvey was groomsman, and his sister Lilian bridesmaid. That old holiday at Grey Craigs had its bright picturesqueness and courteous ceremonies; the poor and the rich mingled together in the friendliest

S

terms. The Ramsays and Jessie Grieve and her husband, with Major Harvey and his gentle wife.

The ceremony was in the old Presbyterian fashion, and the happy pair left soon after for the Glen.

"I will come down for you in a few days, father," said Effie, as she parted with him to walk with her bridegroom alone to their home, adding, "You will live beside us in the little cottage, and Tibbie will take as much care of you as I could do, then my husband and I will be near you and see you constantly "-husband-she lingered over the word lovingly-she who had never dreamed of any other life than one of loneliness, and over which had hung the pale shadow of that early lost love. Her heart melted with the sense of content, and she wept softly, but joyfully, as taking Davie's arm she leant on it firm and fast-the arm that would be her stay and guide through life, until on the path which they had now entered together one would first fail, and the mourner would tread meekly alone until they were reunited in the land of everlasting rest.

My story is almost now at an end; little further may be added, save that the families of Briary Park and the Glen being fast friends, were afterwards more closely united by the marriage of Arthur Harvey with Effie Gordon of the Glen. They lived in happier days than did their fathers, who for fear of

the enemy found "the highways unoccupied, and the travellers walking through bye-ways." Now each man could sit under his vine and fig tree, none making him afraid, for there was no longer heard "the noise of archers in the place of the drawing of water."

THE END.

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