Page 222 - The snake's pass

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210 — THE SNAKE'S PASS. —
plan of the world, was satisfied that all was
We sat, hand in hand, and told again and again
the simple truths that lovers tell; and we built bright
mansions of future hope. There was no shadow on
us, except the shadow that slowly wrapped the earth
in the wake of the sinking sun. The long, level rays
of sunset spread through the diamond panes of the
lattice, grew across the floor, and rose on the opposite
wall ; but we did not heed them until we heard Joyce's
voice behind us :
" I have been thinkin' all the day, and I have come
to believe that it is a happy day for us all, sir. I say,
though she is my daughter, that the man that won her
heart should be a proud man, for it is a heart of
gold. I must give her to ye. I was sorry at the
first, but I do it freely now. Ye must guard and
kape, and hould her as the apple of your eye. If ye
should ever fail or falter, remimber that ye took a
great thrust in takin' her from me that loved her
much, and in whose heart she had a place—not merely
for her own sake, but for the sake of the dead that
loved her." He faltered a moment, but then coming
over, put his hand in mine, and while he held it there,
Norah put her arm around his neck, and laying her
sweet head on his broad, manly breast, said softly:
"Father, you are very good, and I am very, very
happy ! " Then she took my hand and her father's
together, and said to me ;