Melchisedek, or as he was commonly called, Cheesy, mounted upon Marian’s pony, rode on in advance, to open the gates for the party.  Mrs. Waugh’s carriage followed.  And Thurston’s gig brought up the rear.  And thus the travelers set forth.

The sun had now risen in cloudless splendor, and was striking long lines of crimson light across the snow, and piercing through the forest aisles.  Flocks of saucy little snow-birds alighted fearlessly in their path; but the cunning little gray rabbits just peeped with their round, bright eyes, and then quickly hopped away.

I need not describe their merry journey at length.  My readers will readily imagine how delightful was the trip to at least two of the party.  And those two were not Dr. Grimshaw and Jacquelina.

Thurston pleaded so hard for a private marriage when they got to Washington that at last Marian consented.

So one day they drove out to the Navy Yard Hill, and there in the remotest and quietest suburb of the city, in a little Methodist chapel, without witnesses, Thurston and Marian were married.

Thurston and Marian found an opportunity to be alone in the drawing-room for the few moments preceding his departure.  In those last moments she could not find it in her heart to withhold one word whose utterance would cheer his soul, and give him hope and joy and confidence in departing.  Marian had naturally a fine, healthful, high-toned organization—­a happy, hopeful, joyous temperament, an inclination always to look upon the sunny side of life and events.  And so, when he drew her gently and tenderly to his bosom, and whispered: 

“You have made me the happiest and most grateful man on earth, dear, lovely Marian! dear, lovely wife! but are you satisfied, beloved—­oh! are you satisfied?  Do I leave you at ease?”

She spoke the very truth when she confessed to him—­her head being on his shoulder, and her low tones flowing softly to his listening ear: 

“More than satisfied, Thurston—­more than satisfied, I am inexpressibly happy now.  Yes, though you are going away; for, see! the pain of parting for a few months, is lost in the joy of knowing that we are united, though separated—­and in anticipating the time not long hence, when we shall meet again.  God bless you, dearest Thurston.”

“God forever bless and love you, sweet wife.”  And so they parted.

CHAPTER XVII.

SPRING AND LOVE.

It was late in February before the party reached home.  Thurston’s business finished he also hastened back and sought out Marian.  One memorable episode must be related.  Thurston had met Marian not many yards down the lonely forest foot-path, leading from the village school to Old Fields one evening.

After a walk of about a quarter of a mile through the bushes they descended by the natural staircase of moss-covered rocks, and sat down together upon a bed of violets at its foot.