Cruel As The Grave

He summoned up courage for the sacrifice, and went into the study of his

employer and in a few words told him that he had come to say good-bye.

The astonished old man looked up for an explanation.

John Lyon Howe gave it to him.

"And so you wish to leave me, never to return to the Hall, because you

love my daughter."

The young man bowed in silence; but could not conceal the misery it

caused him to make this acknowledgment.

"But why should that oblige you to leave the house?" inquired Mr.

Berners.

"Oh, sir! can you ask?" exclaimed Mr. Howe.

"Oh, I see! the little witch has refused you!" exclaimed old Bertram

with a twinkle in his eye. "Come, is it not so?"

"Sir, I have never abused your confidence so far as to seek her hand! I

could not make so base a return for your kindness to me."

"Oh, you have never asked her to marry you! How in the world, then, can

you know whether she will accept you or not? or, consequently, whether

it will be necessary for you to leave or not?"

"Oh, sir! what is it that you would say?" exclaimed the young man, in

quick, broken tones, while his face turned pale with agitation.

"Nonsense, my boy! When I was young a youth didn't require so much

encouragement to woo a maiden. Before you make up your mind to leave me,

go and ask Sybil's consent to the step."

"Oh, sir! oh, Mr. Berners! do you mean this?" gasped the young man,

catching at the back of the chair for support. He was inured to sorrow,

but not to joy. And this joy was so sudden and overwhelming that he

reeled under it.

"I mean what I say, Mr. Howe. I esteem and respect you. I sanction your

addresses to my daughter," said old Bertram, speaking with more gravity

and dignity than he had before displayed.

John Lyon fervently kissed his old friend's hand, and went immediately

in search of Sybil. And that same night, old Bertram had the pleasure of

joining their hands together in solemn betrothal.

"And now I can die happy," said the old man, earnestly; "for it was not

another great fortune, but a good husband that I coveted for my darling

child."

Ten days from this night, old Bertram Berners dropped into his last

sleep. He was well and happy up to the last hour of his life. The "Wave

of Death," found him in his arm-chair, and bore him off without a

struggle to the "Ocean of Eternity." So old Bertram Berners was gathered

to his fathers.

The year of mourning was permitted to pass, and then John Lyon Howe,

having, according to the conditions of the marriage contract, assumed

the name and arms of Berners, was united in marriage to the beautiful

Sybil. And they set out on their bridal tour as Mr. and Mrs. Lyon

Berners.