After All.

Arthur , too , was dazed , but more composed than his companion , whom he comforted . Their hearts were too full to say much . He , also , had been strongly moved . Almost despairing of ever again meeting Olivia , and yet not quite determined to yield to the attractions of Violet ( though the temptation was great ) , he had suddenl y been confronted by Olivia ancl her passionate appeal , to which , sudden , startling , ancl almost converting , as it was , he could only in

his surprise greet with a kiss . Hardly could he believe his good fortune , but quickly he realized it ; and then , the scenes that followed . He could not behold unmoved Redtaper ' s extraordinary and unsuspected supplication to Violet almost immediately after , ancl her instant scorn ancl rejection , her suicidal attempt , ancl Redtaper ' s heroic ancl ( to himself ) disastrous action . He was very sorry for Violet ' s sakeand he resolvedin any caseto do his best for them .

, , , Merrisslope , also , he could not help pitying , though he had been his enemy . All this rose before him like a vision of the far past , but was drowned in his happiness in the presence and possession of Olivia . The plaudits of the audience were almost forgotten . His brain had received their impression , withouthaving time to reflect upon them , for fresh events demanded his attention . Meanwhilethe sufferers at the theatre ( which was lent for the occasion )

re-, ceived every attention . Merrisslope , nearly mad with pain and chagrin , had his leg skillfully set . Redtaper ' s wound , though deep , was not considered dangerous ; and he manfully wished to be conveyed home before Violet should recover and see the extent of his injury , for he was faint , too , from loss of blood . Much as he thought his state might favour him ancl induce her to pity him , he nobly resolved to tear himself away rather than fill her with

remorse . She , herself , inquired much after him , on recovering , but was not made aware how severel y he had been wounded . Her brother had attended her , and took her home , where she gave way to passionate weeping . Surely an eventful evening for all concerned ! When the conveyance containing Arthur and Olivia arrived at the home of the Phanes , of course there was no small surprise felt on their sideand they

, thought some disaster must have occurred . They were soon , however , made aware of the circumstances , and they resigned themselves to what seemed the hand of fate , Mrs . Phane gladly , but her husband with mixed emotions . He was not accustomed to being crossed , and Humberton had not lately beeu prominent in his mind in his plans for Olivia ' s future . In fact , Merrisslope had taken the ground from under Arthur ' s feet , and Mr . Phane had seemed

satisfied . But the more he considered , he became reconciled to the situation of affairs . Humberton had been diligent ancl successful , and Olivia was happy . Merrisslope , perhaps , would have given her a better position , but he was not so suited to her ; and then , Humberton really deserved his daughter , and had he not half promised her to him ? Yes , he was obliged to think that all was for the best . " Perhaps it is" he slowlancl meditativelmuttered .

, y y Mrs . Phane , dear old lady , was overcome with joy , and she kissed them both repeatedly , for she knew Olivia had not been happy , and often had she had a good cry for her , unknown to anyone . Two years ago she had opened her house to a poor little child who hacl come to her door , begging and lost , and in a shocking state . This little girl ' s sad condition had touched her sensitive heart , and she took the little wanderer in , fed and clothed her , and tried to

discover how and where she had lived . She hacl been cruelly treated , as the marks on her bod y and her own evidence testified ; and a strange terror took possession of her lest she should again be left alone or lost . She appeared only about three years old , and to have seen better days , though she hardly remembered them . Yet she would speak of articles in her lisping language that were seldom seen in poor homes . Advertisements and inquiries failed to trace her origin or friends , so Mrs . Phane resolved to adopt her as her own child . It certainly received as much