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 . '' Sophie '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 ! Your brave Saul is worth a dozen old Hammonds , and I do believe you are right . '' It is unnecessary to tell how , as if drawn by the irresistible magic of sympathy , Ruth and her mother crept in one by one to join the midnight conference and add their smiles and tears , tender hopes and proud delight to the joys of that memorable hour . Nor how Saul , unable to sleep , mounted guard below , and meeting Randal prowling down to soothe his nerves with a surreptitious cigar found it impossible to help confiding to his attentive ear the happiness that would break bounds and overflow in unusual eloquence . Peace fell upon the old house at last , and all slept as if some magic herb had touched their eyelids , bringing blissful dreams and a glad awakening . `` Ca n't we persuade you to come with us , Miss Sophie ? '' asked Randal next day , as they made their adieux . `` I 'm under orders now , and dare not disobey my superior officer , '' answered Sophie , handing her Major his driving gloves , with a look which plainly showed that she had joined the great army of devoted women who enlist for life and ask no pay but love .
`` I shall depend on being invited to your wedding , then , and yours , too , Miss XXXXX , '' added Randal , shaking hands with `` the little baggage , '' as if he had quite forgiven her mockery and forgotten his own brief lapse into sentiment .
Emily Randal Ruth Saul Sophie adieux hour midnight night pang