"What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." And then Mr.Snow raised his white hands again, and pronounced a formal benediction.

There was a moment of awkwardness, but soon the pastor advanced with his congratulations, and Mrs.Snow came up, and the three Misses Snow, and the Balfours, and the neighbors; and there were kisses and hand-shakings, and good wishes.

Jim beamed around upon the fluttering and chattering groups like a great, good-natured mastiff upon a playful collection of silken spaniels and smart terriers.

It was the proudest moment of his life.

Even when standing on the cupola of his hotel, surveying his achievements, and counting his possessions, he had never felt the thrill which moved him then.