He seemed to be again living the six years which the young woman had already spent beside him in that happy little house.

She had been at first like an adopted daughter there; and later on, when the idea of their marriage had sprung up, he had viewed it with quiet delight in the hope that it would ensure the happiness of all around him.

If he had previously abstained from marrying again it was from the fear of placing a strange mother over his children; and if he yielded to the charm of loving yet once more, and no longer leading a solitary life, it was because he had found at his very hearth one of such sensible views, who, in the flower of youth, was willing to become his wife despite the difference in their ages.

Then months had gone by, and serious occurrences had compelled them to postpone the wedding, though without undue suffering on his part.

Indeed, the certainty that she was waiting for him had sufficed him, for his life of hard work had rendered him patient.