But even then I could not do other than hate de Garcia, no, nor can I to this hour, and after all it was natural that I should desire vengeance on the murderer of my mother though the wreaking of it had best been left in another Hand.
Without the little chancel door I met Lily, who was lingering there knowing me to be within, and we spoke together.
'Lily,' I said, 'I would ask you something.

After all that has been, will you still take me for your husband, unworthy as I am ?' 'I promised so to do many a year ago, Thomas,' she answered, speaking very low, and blushing like the wild rose that bloomed upon a grave beside her, 'and I have never changed my mind.

Indeed for many years I have looked upon you as my husband, though I thought you dead.' 'Perhaps it is more than I deserve,' I said.

'But if it is to be, say when it shall be, for youth has left us and we have little time to lose.' 'When you will, Thomas,' she answered, placing her hand in mine.
Within a week from that evening we were wed.
And now my tale is done.

God who gave me so sad and troublous a youth and early manhood, has blessed me beyond measure in my middle age and eld.