The next half hour was spent by Florence in telling Fanny what Frank had
just asked her in four or five words, and which she had answered in one,
viz., if she would be his wife. "But then," said Florence, pretending to
pout, "he was so conscientious that he had to tell me what I already knew,
which was that he once loved you better than he should ever love another."
Frank had asked Florence to share his lot through life, and she, like any
other good, prompt Kentucky girl, had readily answered "yes," although she
was frightened next moment for fear she had been too easily won by the
"cold Yankee," as she called him, and she proposed taking back what she
said just for the sake of being teased. Mr. Woodburn came next day to
bring Florence some article of dress, which she would need. He was not
surprised when Frank, taking him aside, modestly asked for his daughter;
he said, "Yes," almost as readily as Florence had done, and then it was
hard telling which seemed most happy--Frank or Dr. Lacey.
The 24th of December came at last. We at the North who, during six months
of the year, blow our benumbed fingers, can scarcely imagine how bright
and beautiful are some of the clear warm days of a Kentucky winter. On
this occasion, as if Nature had resolved to do her best, the day was soft
and sunny as in early autumn, presenting a striking contrast to the wild,
angry storm which rent the sky when once more 'neath Uncle Joshua's roof a
bridal party was assembled.
As night approached, carriage after carriage rolled up the long, graveled
pathway, until Ike declared, "Thar was no more room in the barns, and if
any more came he'd have to drive them into the kitchen."
Up and down the broad stairway tripped light and joyous footsteps until
the rooms above, which Luce had put in so exact order, presented a scene
of complete confusion. Bandboxes were turned bottom-side up and their
contents indiscriminately scattered until it was impossible to tell what
was yours and what wasn't.
At length through the parlor door came Dr. Lacey and Fanny, followed by
Frank Cameron and Florence. Throughout the rooms was a solemn hush as
Fanny was made Dr. Lacey's wife. Firmly Dr. Lacey held her hand until the
last word was spoken; then when he felt sure that she was his, he stooped
down and whispered in her ear, "Thank God that you are mine at last."