And old mistress and old maid were never happier than on some fine, clear day, when seated on their two old mules, they ambled along through forest and over field, to spend a day with Lapwing or with Hebe—­or perhaps with the “Pigeon Pair,” as they called the new married couple at the villa.

Yes; there was a time when Mrs. Henrietta was happier still!  It was, when upon some birthday or other festival, she would gather all the young families—­Thurston and Hebe, Cloudy and Lapwing, the Pigeons, and all the babies, in the big parlor of Luckenough, and sit surrounded by a flock of tiny lapwings, hebes and pigeons, forming a group that our fairy saucily called, “The old hen and chickens.”

And what shall we say in taking leave of Thurston and Marian?  He had had some faults, as you have seen—­but the conquering of faults is the noblest conquest, and he had achieved such a victory.  He called Marian the angel of his salvation.  Year by year their affection deepened and strengthened, and drew them closer in heart and soul and purpose.  From their home as from a center emanated a healthful, beneficent and elevating influence, happily felt through all their social circle.  A lovely family grew around them—­and among the beautiful children none were more tenderly nursed or carefully trained than the little waif, Angel.  And in all the pleasant country neighborhood, the sweetest and the happiest home is that of Dell-Delight.