To these arrangements Lila gave a glad approval, and welcomed her new
sister warmly. Nell was glad also for the change in Austin's affairs, for
though she could not bring herself to be willing to take up the burden of
housekeeping, yet her conscience kept her continually unhappy at the
thought of his perplexity and trial. This was a happy way out for all.
Harry and Amy and Doyle all rejoiced with them that the home had been
preserved.
Thus with the clouds rolled away and the sunshine of love and hope smiling
upon them, Bessie and Austin began their life together.
CHAPTER 30
THE OPINIONS OF PARSON HAWLEY AND HIS WIFE
"Austin and Bessie were married last evening," remarked Parson Hawley, one
of Austin's well-wishers, to his wife as he stretched his feet out at his
own fireside.
"I am glad to hear it," was his wife's happy rejoinder. "Austin is a fine
young man, and Bessie will make him a good, true helpmeet. May the sun
shine brightly on their lives all the way."
"What is your prophecy on Austin's life, my dear?" the good man continued.
"We have watched him rear his family, and have noted many of his cares and
responsibilities, and have felt for him in his perplexities and
difficulties. Has he succeeded in what he undertook? Have the results
rewarded his sacrifice?"
"I could answer your questions better a few years hence. Look at our own
children. Did it always _seem_ as if they were going to repay us for the
care and toil we gave them? When they were in the transition stage of life,
as Austin's children now are, did they show the effect of our efforts as we
wished them to? I think not.
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