Bad Hugh

He needed no words to tell him of the letters never received; he knew

the truth, and satisfied to have her at last he drew her closely to him,

and laying her tired head upon his bosom, gazed fondly at the face he

had not seen in many, many years. Curious, tittering maidens, of whom

there are usually one or two in every car, looked at that couple near

the door and whispered to their companions: "Bride and groom. Just see how he hugs her. Some widower, I know,

married to a young wife."

But neither Charlie nor Anna cared for the speculations to which they

were giving rise. They had found each other, and the happiness enjoyed

during the two hours which elapsed ere Buffalo was reached more than

made amends for all the lonely years of wretchedness they had spent

apart from each other. Charlie had told Anna briefly of his life in

India--had spoken feelingly, affectionately of his gentle Hattie, who

had died, blessing him with her last breath for the kindness he had ever

shown to her; of baby Annie's grave, by the side of which he buried the

young mother; of his loneliness after that, his failing health, his

yearning for a sight of home, his embarkation for America, his hope

through all that she might still be won; his letters and her mother's

reply, which awakened his suspicions, and his last letter which she

received.

Sweetly she chided him, amid her tears, for not coming to her at once,

telling how she had waited and watched with an anxious heart, ever since

she heard of his return; and then she told him next where she was going,

and why, sparing her brother as much as possible, and dwelling long upon

poor Lily's gentleness and beauty.

So it was settled that Charlie should go with her, and his presence made

her far less impatient than she would otherwise have been, when, owing

to some accident, they were delayed so long that the Cleveland train was

gone, and there was no alternative but to wait in Buffalo. At Cincinnati

there was another detention, and it was not until the very day appointed

for the wedding that, with Charlie still beside her, Anna entered the

carriage hired at Lexington, and started for Spring Bank, whither for a

little we will precede her, taking up the narrative prior to this day,

and about the time when 'Lina first returned from New York, laden with

arrogance and airs.