Oh, you were all the world, child--you, of your own dear self--you would have been all the wives in the world to me--there are many, many of you, and all in a heavenly one--" "Oh, forgive me, dearest," she cried, and put out a little gloved hand to comfort him.

"I know, I know--all the sweetness and goodness of your love, believe me.

See, I have kept always by me the little Bible you gave me on my birthday--I have treasured it, and I know it has made me a better girl, because it makes me always think of your goodness--but I couldn't have gone there, Joel--and it does seem as if you need not have gone--and that marrying is so odious--" "You shall see how little you had to fear of that doctrine which God has seen fit to reveal to these good men.

I tell you now, Prue, I shall wed no woman but you.

Nor am I giving you up.