“But I’m twenty-one to-morrow, Edward--didn’t you know? And I shall be my own mistress. I shan’t leave Blackstable till I’m your wife.” They were walking slowly towards the house, whither he, in his anxiety lest she should stay out too long, had guided her steps. They went arm in arm, and Bertha enjoyed her happiness. “Dr. Ramsay is coming to luncheon to-morrow,” she said, “and I shall tell them both that I’m going to be married to you.” “He won’t like it,” said Craddock, rather nervously. “I’m sure I don’t care. If you like it and I like it, the rest can think as they choose.” “I leave everything in your hands,” he said. They had arrived at the portico, and Bertha looked at it doubtfully. “I suppose I ought to go in,” she said, wishing Edward to persuade her to take one more turn round the garden. “Yes, do,” he said. “I’m so afraid you’ll catch cold.” It was charming of him to be so solicitous about her health, and of course he was right. Everything he did and said was right; for the moment Bertha forgot her wayward nature, and wished suddenly to subject herself to his strong guidance. His very strength made her feel curiously weak. “Good-night, my beloved,” she whispered, passionately. She could not tear herself away from him; it was utter madness. Their kisses never ended. “Good-night!” She watched him at last disappear into the darkness, and finally shut the door behind her. Chapter III With old and young great sorrow is followed by a sleepless night, and with the old great joy is as disturbing; but youth, I suppose, finds happiness more natural and its rest is not thereby disturbed. Bertha slept without dreams, and awaking, for the moment did not remember the occurrence of the previous day; but quickly it came back to her and she stretched herself with a sigh of great content. She lay in bed to contemplate her well-being. She could hardly realise that she had attained her dearest wish. God was very good, and gave His creatures what they asked; without words, from the fulness of her heart, she offered up thanks. It was quite extraordinary, after the maddening expectation, after the hopes and fears, the lover’s pains which are nearly pleasure, at last to be satisfied. She had now nothing more to desire, for her happiness was complete. Ah yes, indeed, God was very good!