The day of examination came,and the small schoolroom was thronged with visitors.The exercises passed off in the most satisfactory manner.Squire Hadley,as chairman of the School Committee,made the first speech.It was not a model of eloquence,but he made it clear that he considered the school a success and took credit to himself for engaging so competent a teacher.Mr.Wilson followed.He too,expressed hearty approval of the exercises,and tendered his cordial congratulations to Miss Frost for remarkable success in inspiring the scholars with a love of learning.
He hoped the town would be able to retain the services of so accomplished an instructress.To him succeeded Adoniram Fry,who,in a jocular way,lamented that as a boy it had not been in his power to be a scholar under Miss Frost's instruction.All were complimentary,and Mabel's cheeks were flushed with pleasure.
Randolph Chester was not present at the closing exercises.Neither were the Raymonds.The engagement had leaked out,and therefore their absence did not excite surprise.It was ascertained that they had driven to a neighboring town.
It was not discovered,however,till later,what their errand was.They drove at once to the residence of a clergyman,and when they returned Clementina was Mrs.Randolph Chester.Clementina herself had artfully hinted how romantic it would be,and how people would be taken by surprise.Mr.Chester cared nothing for this;but it occurred to him that Mabel would be mortified on learning how quickly he had been consoled for her loss.Poor Mr.Chester!In after years he looked upon this as the most idiotic act of his life.
In the evening Allan Thorpe called and invited Mabel to go out for a walk.It was a beautiful moonlight night.They walked slowly to the pond,which was not far away,and sat down on a rustic seat beneath a wide spreading oak.They had been talking on various things for some time,when a sudden silence came upon both.
It was at length broken by the young artist.
"I hope you will forgive me for bringing you here,"he said.
"Why should you want forgiveness?"she asked,very much surprised.
"Because I brought you here with a special object in view.Rebuke me if you will,but --Mabel,I love you."She did not seem much surprised.
"How long has it been so?"she asked in a low voice.
"I began to love you,"he answered,"when I first saw you at the artists'reception.But you were so far removed from me that I did not dare to avow it,even to myself.You were a rich social queen,and I was a poor man.Ishould never have dared to tell you all this if you had not lost your wealth.""Does this make me any more worthy?"asked Mabel smiling.
"It has brought you nearer to me.When I saw how bravely you met adverse fortune;when I saw a girl brought up to every luxury,as you were,quietly devoting herself to teaching a village school,I rejoiced.I admired you more than ever,and I resolved to win you if possible.Can you give me a hope,Mabel?
He bent over her with a look of tender affection in his manly face.
"I won't keep you in suspense,Allan,"she said with an answering look.
"I have not known you long but long enough to trust my future in your hands."After a while Allan Thorpe began to discuss his plans and hopes for the future.
