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.
***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MISSING BRIDE***
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