CHAPTER XIII.
Hopes consummated.
To Emily Winston we have always accorded the title of Mrs.Garie; whilst, in reality, she had no legal claim to it whatever.
Previous to their emigration from Georgia, Mr.Garie had, on one or two occasions, attempted, but without success, to make her legally his wife.
He ascertained that, even if he could have found a clergyman willing to expose himself to persecution by marrying them, the ceremony itself would have no legal weight, as a marriage between a white and a mulatto was not recognized as valid by the laws of the state; and he had, therefore, been compelled to dismiss the matter from his mind, until an opportunity should offer for the accomplishment of their wishes.
Now, however, that they had removed to the north, where they would have no legal difficulties to encounter, he determined to put his former intention into execution.

Although Emily had always maintained a studied silence on the subject, he knew that it was the darling wish of her heart to be legally united to him; so he unhesitatingly proceeded to arrange matters for the consummation of what he felt assured would promote the happiness of both.

He therefore wrote to Dr.Blackly, a distinguished clergyman of the city, requesting him to perform the ceremony, and received from him an assurance that he would be present at the appointed time.
Matters having progressed thus far, he thought it time to inform Emily of what he had done.

On the evening succeeding the receipt of an answer from the Rev.Dr.Blackly--after the children had been sent to bed--he called her to him, and, taking her hand, sat down beside her on the sofa.
"Emily," said he, as he drew her closer to him, "my dear, faithful Emily! I am about to do you an act of justice--one, too, that I feel will increase the happiness of us both.

I am going to marry you, my darling! I am about to give you a lawful claim to what you have already won by your faithfulness and devotion.