I had been thinking of my gains, and they were large, for McCarthy had been kind and generous, and I was to have one of the highest offices in the gift of the State. But now, as I saw the failing of my old friend, I began to think of my losses, and was sorry--sorry that I had missed so much of the companionship and counsel of one of the greatest men I ever knew. “I've missed you, Jake, I've missed you,” he said, with trembling lips, as he held my hand in his. I would have given it all then--all the money and the honor which had been mine--for that I had lost, and I have never changed my mind about it. “My friend and fellow-citizen,” said he, cheerfully, after a moment, “the Committee on Love and Marriage will now report. Has your heart changed, old boy? Do you still think of Jo?” “As much as ever,” I said. “Strange how it clings to me!” “It's the real old-fashioned thing, an' rare as gold,” said he. “I know what 'tis.” “I shall never marry,” I said. “Yes, you will,” said he, with confidence. “Why do you think so?” “Because she loves you--that's why.” “But you told me that she was going to be married on their return.” “So she is; and to you, old boy. You didn't understand me, did ye?” “No.” “Wal, I didn't want ye to. I see that Squares had made himself solid with the Colonel. Squares had prospered, and won the friendship of grand folks. Squares had flattered the old man and spent loads of money on him. The Colonel was bound to have Jo marry Squares. I told her to take her father out of the country and stay until I sent for her. He was drinking badly, and, anyhow, I thought it would do him good to get away from his old friends. Jo and he made a kind of treaty: he promised not to write to Bony, and she promised not to write to you. “The Colonel wanted to travel, and Jo had plenty of money--her grandfather left her his fortune. They stayed a year in England, where Busby was born, and were three years in Italy, India, and Australia. She wrote me that she'd spent the time in study, and felt sure that you wouldn't be ashamed of her. Why, Jake, she's never forgotten ye fer a minute! She was anxious to know whether your love would last or not, and made me promise to report to her every month, and I did. They've heard all the news about you and all the news about Bony.” “Where are they now?” “On their way to Rushwater,” said Pearl. “They'll be here in this room at eight o'clock to-night.”