And then, Captain Anstruther, addressing the executor, in the
presence of the gray-bearded old General, repeated the words of
voluntary resignation and surrender of all rights as guardian over
Nadine Johnstone, first taking his written consent to the marriage.
There was not a word spoken as the trembling old scholar hastily
signed the papers presented to him. Then he turned to the sweet
woman clinging to Major Hardwicke's arm. "I'll be thankful to ye if
ye leave my home to me in peace, as soon as ye can! Janet Fairbarn
will be my representative!" With a last glance of cold aversion
at Hardwicke, he bowed to the Commander of the forces, and then
tottered across the hall to his study, when the tall form of Alaric
Hobbs hovered at the door.
"My dear child," kindly said the old veteran General, lifting her
trembling hand to his lips, and bowing reverently, "Let me be,
this day, your father, as you are soon to be born into the service.
Here, Major Hardwicke, I give her to you to keep against the whole
world, if the lady so consents." Nadine's answer was an April smile,
when her lover clasped her hand, and then she hid her blushes on
Hardwicke's breast.
"Take me away forever from this horrible prison-house," she whispered.
"Mrs. Wragge's carriage will be here at four for you, and we will
have a little dinner en famille at seven, Miss Nadine, for you,"
said the happy General, as he jingled away, his dangling sword,
jingling medals, and waving white plume, making a gallant show.
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