"While I was leaning over her, there was a commotion at the door. I looked around and saw the clergyman enter, with one of my old-time chums dressed as a bridegroom. Upon recognizing me the bridegroom looked bewildered, but the next moment he had recovered himself. He approached me and shook hands, telling me, with an odd and embarrassed manner that my arrival was timely. He added: 'If you had been delayed half an hour, Jeanie and I would have been married by now. It seems as if Fate has taken a hand in this.' "He told me that Jeanie had been worrying and was continually talking about me, and that she didn't believe I was dead, although I had been reported 'killed or missing' since September, 1914. He had told her that she was foolish to keep up this thought, and finally had persuaded her to become engaged to him. The date for the marriage was fixed for the night on which I arrived. "During this time the bride was being attended by some of the other young ladies and had been revived. "The intended bridegroom went to her side and asked if she still cared for me. Her answer was: 'If he loves me, _yes_.' He approached me again, asking whether I cared for her still. Oh, I wanted to say how I loved her and how anxiously and hurriedly I had made my way to her on reaching British soil, but I was too overcome for words; I could only nod an assent. Do you know, Reuter, what this old pal did? He withdrew, giving me his place, and he acted as Best Man. "Since then I've wondered whether, if it had been any other man, he would have stepped aside so. He loved her as I did, no doubt, but it seems she couldn't forget me, no matter how he tried to make her do so; so, realizing all this at the time, he did what he thought would give her the greatest happiness. I had suffered sorely, Reuter, but surely I was well rewarded. The pal who had expected to have my place gave us a hundred pounds as his gift to help us along in business. We were married that same night--only three days ago. So you see, Reuter, I lost no time in trying to find you to tell you of my complete happiness." * * * * * We left the tea rooms, and I accompanied Ned to the railway station, where he took the train for his home town. As we parted he wished me the best of success in America, and hoped that he would hear of my getting married very soon, for he assured me he was so happy that he wished to know that such happiness was mine also. I made for home then, and in less than a week's time I was on my way to the States. Ned's good wishes for me have certainly been fulfilled. I have since married, and it is my wife who has proved my sole inspiration and help in writing this book. CHAPTER SIXTEEN