They also say that you
fired first. Besides, your _acceptance_ makes you equally
culpable with the challenger.'
Mr. Ham went away and continued his preparations to marry the
glittering Miss Estabrooks.
When news reached the Hams that Roland and his beloved Aster were
wedded, Lydia, who was by this time likewise a wife, said:
'I don't envy that 'ere one her bargain. _You_ would never now,
would you, dear, ask anybody out to fight a dool?'
Lydia, at least, told the truth.
Aster lived very happily with Roland, and she still retains the
beauty for which, in those olden days, she was so noted. Before
handing this manuscript to the publishers, I went to her dear, cosy
old home and read the sheets.
'Why,' she said,' you have it all down just as accurately as if you
had been with us during that dreadful time. But you make me too
beautiful; that is the only fault. I want you to look up my grandson;
he attends college at Toronto.'
Kissing her dear hand, I said good-bye; and I beg likewise to say
good-bye to my readers.
THE END.
MARY HOLT'S ENGAGEMENT
BY CATHERINE OWENS
'And I am really engaged! I can hardly believe it.
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