"I have no wish to withdraw at all!" returned Sir Julius, peevishly. "I wonder why every one takes me for a weak fool with no mind of my own." "'Tis a wonder indeed!" said the old lady gravely. "But you must have refreshment after your ride. Alice, will you see if the meal is ready?" Before dinner was served, Mr. Cheriton came down stairs, looking pale and worn enough, but very happy. "She has taken half a cup of broth, and is sleeping quietly!" said he. "I hope the crisis is safely past, but she is very weak." "We must try to strengthen her!" said Lady Thornyhaugh. "I bring a petition from her to her father!" continued Mr. Cheriton. "I trust he will not refuse." "'Tis a wonder if I do!" said Sir Julius, giving Mr. Cheriton his hand with great cordiality. "What is it?" It was neither more nor less than that Amabel and Mr. Cheriton should be married then and there. "She wishes at least to bear my name, she says, and that 'wife of Walter Cheriton' may be on her tombstone!" said the poor young man, his eyes overflowing in spite of himself. "Surely, Sir, you will not refuse what may be her last request." "No, indeed!" replied Sir Julius. "She shall have her own way in everything, if she will only try to get well, and after all, once they are married, there will be no more to be said," he added, speaking more to himself than to us. Then aloud— "But where to find a clergyman!" "A minister is not far to seek!" said Lady Thornyhaugh. "Here is good Mr. Craig, not half a mile away. I can send man and horse for him at once if you say so." "But he is a Presbyterian!" said Sir Julius rather perplexed. "He is the best I can give you, however!" answered the old lady. "We have no other kind in these parts, unless you like to wait till I can send to Edinbro' for one of your non-juring sort. If you do not like mice, you should not take up your house with the owl you ken. Mr. Craig has visited your daughter many times during her illness and she has found comfort in his prayers. I fancy she will not object to take her husband at his hands." "Do not let there be any needless delay!" said Mr. Cheriton, earnestly. "Amabel is so weak that a little agitation may make all the difference in the world." "Don't be alarmed!" said Lady Thornyhaugh. "We will manage the matter. Nephew, is it your pleasure that I send for this good man?" "Of course! Send at once!" replied Sir Julius. "I only trust that the fatigue of the ceremony may not be too much for my daughter." "Never fear! She will not die from getting her own way!" answered Lady Thornyhaugh. "I will send Alick, directly." Within an hour, Walter Cheriton and Amabel Leighton were wedded. "Thank you, dear father!" said Amabel, sinking back, when we had all kissed her. "Now, I am ready to go!"