The news this time was absolutely overwhelming.

Stephen, as he had wished, had been actually chosen as the most fitting to execute the iron-work commission he had alluded to as impending.

This duty completed he would have three months' leave.

His letter continued that he should follow it in a week, and should take the opportunity to plainly ask her father to permit the engagement.

Then came a page expressive of his delight and hers at the reunion; and finally, the information that he would write to the shipping agents, asking them to telegraph and tell her when the ship bringing him home should be in sight--knowing how acceptable such information would be.
Elfride lived and moved now as in a dream.