And it was just this knowledge to
which he clung with a nervous mental grip. He did not feel elated
as he should; he was aware of that, and he could not account for it.
But Millicent loved him, so it must be all right. He had always
cared for Millicent. Everything had been done in order that he
might marry her--the quarrel with his father, the finding of the
Simiacine, the determination to get well which had saved his life--
all this so that he might marry Millicent. And now he was going to
marry her, and it must be all right. Perhaps, as men get older, the
effervescent elation of youth leaves them; but they are none the
less happy. That must be it.
CHAPTER XXXVI. NO COMPROMISE
Where he fixed his heart he set his hand
To do the thing he willed.
"MY DEAR SIR JOHN,--It is useless my pretending to ignore your views
respecting Jack's marriage to Millicent; and I therefore take up my
pen with regret to inform you that the two young people have now
decided to make public their engagement. Moreover, I imagine it is
their intention to get married very soon. You and I have been
friends through a longer spell of years than many lives and most
friendships extend, and at the risk of being considered inconsequent
I must pause to thank you--well--to thank you for having been so
true a friend to me all through my life.
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