"Everything," said Beatrice, before Vivian could speak. "And I thank God, Durban, for having given me such a friend!" "Missy, I loved your father." He dropped on his knees beside the couch and took her hand. "And you do not blame me for having kept you in ignorance?" "No. The situation was a difficult one. You and Mr. Paslow here were both surrounded by rogues and many dangers. And all your concealments and reluctant confessions were made to save me anxiety, so I thank you, my dear friend, for your kindness I knew you were a good man, even when you accused yourself to save Vivian." "I could not let him be hanged when you loved him," said Durban, hanging his head. "You see, Beatrice," said Vivian, smiling, "it is only of you that Durban thinks. I am nowhere." "When you marry Miss Beatrice," said Durban, rising, with a grave smile, "you will be one with her, and I'll love you both equally. I know you will be happy, missy. After much storm has come the sunshine." "And that," said Vivian gaily, "will endure for the rest of our lives." Beatrice took the old servant's hand. "There is only one thing to settle," she said sweetly: "Durban is to give me to you at the altar." "Oh, missy--me--no--no--a black--a half black!" "You are a whole white," said Vivian quickly, and taking the good old fellow's other hand. "Beatrice is right. You have stood to her in the place of her father and mother, and you have shielded her from a thousand dangers. You shall come to the wedding and give your treasure to me." "Sir--missy----" Durban could say nothing more; his eyes filled with tears and he hastily retreated. "Joyful tears, good old soul!" said Vivian, again gathering Beatrice to his breast. "He'll come and live with us, Beatrice, and we'll turn that horrible Camp into a jungle. Never more will we talk of the past, and--and----" "Vivian, Vivian! How you run on!" "I am too happy to be sensible. What are those birds we hear singing, saying, my sweetest?" "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!" was the unexpected answer of Beatrice. Vivian's face grew grave. "I think we will, and now," he said; and with his future wife in his arms he breathed a prayer of thankfulness to the merciful Father who had brought them both to a safe haven. THE END PRINTED BY NEILL AND CO., LTD., EDINBURGH. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Black Patch, by Fergus Hume