Something softer than pity stole into her eye , as she said , anxiously , -- `` You are not really ill , Sidney ? '' `` I have been , and still need care , else I may have a relapse , '' was the reply of this treacherous youth , whose constitution was as sound as a bell . Amy clasped her hands , as if in a transport of gratitude , exclaiming , fervently , -- `` What a relief it is to know that you are not doomed to -- '' She paused with a shiver , as if the word were too hard to utter , and Sidney turned to her with a beaming face , which changed to one of mingled pain and anger , as she added , with a wicked glance , -- `` Wear spectacles . '' `` Amy , you 've got no heart ! '' he cried , in a tone that banished her last doubt of his love and made her whisper tenderly , as she clung to his arm , -- `` No , dear ; I 've given it all to you . '' Punctual to the minute , Major Erskine marched into the salon , with Mrs. Cumberland on his arm , exclaiming , as he eyed the four young people together again , -- `` Now , ladies , is it to be ` Paradise Lost ' or ` Regained ' for the prisoners at the bar ? '' At this point the astonished gentleman found himself taken possession of by four excited individuals , for the girls embraced and kissed him , the young men wrung his hand and thanked him , and all seemed bent on assuring him that they were intensely happy , grateful and affectionate . From this assault he emerged flushed and breathless , but beaming with satisfaction , and saying paternally , -- `` Bless you , my children , bless you . I hoped and worked for this , and to prove how well I practise what I preach , let me present to you -- my wife . '' As he drew forward the plump widow with a face full of smiles and tears , a second rush was made , and congratulations , salutes , exclamations and embraces were indulged in to every one 's satisfaction . As the excitement subsided the major said , simply , -- `` We were married yesterday at Montreaux . Let me hope that you will prove as faithful as I have been , as happy as I am , as blest as I shall be . I loved this lady in my youth , have waited many years , and am rewarded at last , for love never comes too late . '' The falter in his cheery voice , the dimness of his eyes , the smile on his lips , and the gesture with which he returned the pressure of the hand upon his arm , told the little romance of the good major 's life more eloquently than pages of fine writing , and touched the hearts of those who loved him . `` I have been faithful for eleven years . Give me my reward soon , wo n't you , dear ? '' whispered Sidney . `` Do n't marry me to-morrow , and if mamma is willing I 'll think about it by and by , '' answered Amy . `` It is beautiful ! let us go and do likewise , '' said Sigismund to his betrothed .
But Helen , anxious to turn the thoughts of all from emotions too deep for words , drew from her pocket a small pearl-colored object , which she gave to Amy with mock solemnity , as she said , turning to lay her hand again in her lover 's , -- `` XXXXX , our search is over .
Amy Cumberland Erskine Montreaux Sidney Sigismund assault relapse second years