"And Bliss will marry Sophonisba," said Dove.
The three little men now held a hurried consultation, and were unanimously in favor of matrimony, when Gideon opened the door.
"We have agreed to be married," said Love.
"Very good," said Gideon. "The parson is waiting in the front room, and I have the three licenses in my pocket. Which one do you marry?"
Gideon went to the door opening into the back room, and unlocking it, put his head through and uttered a few words. Cleopatra came forth, blushing.
Love arose from his seat trembling from head to foot.
"Take her arm," said Gideon. "That's right. Now, come along!"
Gideon opened the door, and Love walked with Cleopatra into the front room, where stood the parson with his book open ready to make them man and wife. In a very brief space of time Love and Cleopatra were united in the holy bands of matrimony. The parson looked as if he expected to see the happy man salute his bride; but Love was unable to reach up, and Cleopatra did not bend down, and so this formality was not observed. The wedded pair walked into the back parlor, followed by Gideon, who turned to Dove and said,--
"Theodosia, if you please," said Dove, with meek resignation.
At the summons of Gideon, Theodosia appeared and was united to Dove, and then Sophonisba was married to Bliss. Mrs. Foot then rushed from the back room and fondly embraced her daughters, and also her three little sons.
"There, now," said Gideon, "we are through with the business. Are the carriages at the door?" asked he of Hercules, who went out to ascertain if they had arrived.
"We will go home in the next train," said Gideon.
"Can't we go to California?" whimpered Love.
"No," said Gideon, "of course not. You must go home with your wives."
"Hercules is going to California," said Gideon. "He can dig gold enough for the whole family."
Hercules was standing in the street before the door, when Pate and Wiggins approached him.
"He is in there," said Hercules, pointing to the house.
"We have been looking for them," said Wiggins.
"The ship will sail in a few hours, and they should be on board," said Pate.
"I don't think they are going," said Hercules.
Two carriages were now driven up, and stopped in front of the house. The door opened, and out came Love hanging on the arm of Cleopatra.