They came in looking charming, and in the best of spirits. It needed but a glance for Dr. Jim to see that Bess had said nothing about Joyce to her brother or sister. What a wise little woman she was! When Ida and Frank had seated themselves beside Stephen, Jim drew her into a remote corner of the room.
"You said nothing about our adventure of to-day," he whispered.
"No," she replied in the same tone, "I thought it best not to. And Mr. Joyce?"
"You will not be troubled with him again. He has gone to town. I do not think he will come back. Santiago has gone also."
"That is alright. I have his confession in my pocket."
"No! I have not yet solved that problem. But do not let us talk of these unpleasant things any more Bess. To-morrow you shall know all. In the meantime make yourself agreeable to me and tell me how much you love me. Come now. After this afternoon you cannot deny----"
"I neither deny nor affirm," said Bess her face one glow of scarlet--but that might have been the fire---"you were not in earnest to-day."
"Indeed I was. Can't you see that I love you with my whole heart and soul! I never knew until to-day how much I did love you."
"I thought so too for a period of madness. But I know now that I was mistaken. We are the best of friends as you can see. But you have not replied to my question."
"That I am the dearest man in the world, and that you have loved me for ever so long. Come now?"
"It is true," said Bess sinking her voice. "I have loved you. I do love you and I am thankful to be your wife."
"I love you for yourself, not for any money you may have."
"Faith," said Herrick, "that is lucky for me! Come here. Behind this screen--there now."
"Oh! Dr. Jim--No--Very well. Jim, without the doctor. Do not go on like this. We are not alone."
"Will you come into another room?" teased Jim.
"Leading you into the world," said Herrick laughing. Bess laughed also and blushed when Jim led her before the three astonished people who looked at them in amazement. "Lady and gentlemen," said Dr. Jim, "do you know who this is?"
"Bess I suppose," said the stupid brother.
"And more than that," cried Ida rising to take her sister in her arms, "oh! Bess darling, I am so glad."
"Hurrah!" cried Stephen and pinched Frank's arm.