Helen would smile to herself as she watched the two
men absorbed in questions she little understood, and observed her
mother nodding drowsily over her knitting. The scene was so
peaceful, so cheery, so hopeful against the dark background of the
past, that she could not refrain from gratitude. Her heart no
longer ached with despairing sorrow, and the anxious, troubled
expression had faded out of her parents' faces.
"Yes," she would murmur softly to herself, "Albert was right; the
bloody war has ceased, and the happy days of peace are coming.
Heaven has blessed him and made his memory doubly blessed, in that
he had the heart to wish them to be happy, although he could not
live to see them. Unconsciously he took the thorns out of the path
which led to his friend and mine. How richly father enjoys
Hobart's companionship! He will be scarcely less happy--when he
knows--than yonder friend, who is such a very scrupulous friend.
Indeed, how either is ever going to know I scarcely see, unless I
make a formal statement."
Suddenly Martine turned, and caught sight of her expression.
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