The more he thought of it the more puzzled he became, for hitherto there had been but little deep sentiment about Rug, who believed more in the common-place than in the romantic. He never had any inclination to read love stories, which he regarded as unreal and unnatural. But now the probability of the improbable surprised and amused him. "This is positively absurd," he said to himself, as he stood with the rest of the congregation to receive the benediction. It was a relief to him when the service was over and he joined Chrissy on her way homeward. Life began to have a new meaning to Rug from that day. He felt that he only began to live when he began to love, but he felt that it would have been an intrusion on the sacredness of his love to have mentioned it to anyone, even to Miss Chamberlain herself. Month after month passed which only served to intensify his affection. At length he sought an opportunity of laying the matter before his father. His confidence was not rudely repelled. It never had been. He was not reproached for presuming to think of love and marriage at so early an age for he was only twenty. On the contrary, his father said: "There can be no question in my mind that wedded life is the ideal life for man--the life which God intended for you and for me. If your affections are involved, my boy, why not write and put the case before the young woman of your choice?" Acting upon his father's advice he penned the following short, manly note: DEAR MISS CHAMBERLAIN,--I know a young man who is very fond of you. He would like to begin a correspondence with you with a view to marriage. Kindly inform me if I may hold out to him any prospect of encouragement. Yours truly, RUG WRIGHT. Several days passed before he received a reply to his letter, and when at last it came his hands trembled as he broke the seal and read as follows: DEAR MR. WRIGHT,--You certainly may not hold out any encouragement until I know the gentleman who would confer upon me the honor to which you refer. The only true basis of such a union is love, and I cannot love one whom I do not know. If the gentleman in question will call to-morrow I shall be pleased to receive him. Yours truly, HANNAH CHAMBERLAIN. The courtship thus commenced resulted a few months later in a unique wedding. Rev. Mr. Meach had given up the charge, owing to declining health and strength, and there was no clergyman available. It was therefore suggested that they send through the woods to the new Scotch settlement of Perth for a Justice of the Peace, who, it was reported, was authorized to perform marriages. An Indian guide was secured, and Rug commenced a long and tedious journey through the forest on snowshoes.