`` Have you lost your mind ? experienced religion ? or any other dreadful thing ? You always were odd , but this last freak is the strangest of all . What will your guardian say , and the world ? '' added Emily in the awe-stricken tone of one who stood in fear of the omnipotent Mrs. Grundy . `` Guardy will be glad to be rid of me , and I do n't care that for the world , '' cried Sophie , snapping her fingers with a joyful sort of recklessness which completed Emily 's bewilderment . `` But Mr. Hammond ? Are you going to throw away millions , lose your chance of making the best match in the city , and driving the girls of our set out of their wits with envy ? '' Sophie laughed at her friend 's despairing cry , and turning round said quietly , -- `` I wrote to Mr. Hammond last night , and this evening received my reward for being an honest girl . Saul and I are to be married in the spring when Ruth is . '' Emily fell prone upon the bed as if the announcement was too much for her , but was up again in an instant to declare with prophetic solemnity , -- `` I knew something was going on , but hoped to get you away before you were lost . Sophie , you will repent . Be warned , and forget this sad delusion . '' `` Too late for that . The pang I suffered yesterday when I thought Saul was dead showed me how well I loved him . To-night he asked me to stay , and no power in the world can part us . Oh ! Emily , it is all so sweet , so beautiful , that everything is possible , and I know I shall be happy in this dear old home , full of love and peace and honest hearts . I only hope you may find as true and tender a man to live for as my Saul . ''
XXXXX 's face was more eloquent than her fervent words , and Emily beautifully illustrated the inconsistency of her sex by suddenly embracing her friend , with the incoherent exclamation , `` I think I have , dear !
Emily Grundy Guardy Hammond Ruth Saul Sophie To-night night pang