92 The Illumination of Joseph Keeler, Esq. 



Side by side in the deep shadows cast by the tall pine trees 

 from the setting sun, flooding the inter-spaces with a roseate 

 glow, the two silent lovers walked through the winding pathways 

 a man and woman grown to maturity of thought and action, 

 proud and satisfied in each other with no illusions as to the fu- 

 ture, yet, both trusting in Rabbi Ben Ezra's words : 



"Grow old along with me! 

 The best is yet to be 



The last of life, for which the first was made; 

 Our times are in His hand 

 Who saith, 'A whole I planned; 

 Youth shows but half; trust God; see all, nor be afraid.' " 



The setting sun was bathing the flower-room and, through it, 

 the verandah in a golden hue as Fanny, now becoming, perhaps 

 anxiously curious, waiting for the late-comers, met them at the 

 door as John was handing Miss Morrison, their clasped hands 

 strangely lingering, up the stone steps. From the faces of both 

 were reflected such placid, confident smiles, that Fanny felt that 

 all she had been longing and praying for, for John's sake, had at 

 length come true; and with open arms the sweet girl went for- 

 ward, embraced and kissed her friend, asking archly, 



"Am I right?" to which Mary Morrison, with swimming eyes 

 could only say, 



"Yes, darling, John and I are always going to walk together, 

 now." 



She could only say, 



"How lovely!" as she threw her arms around her brother's 

 neck and cried for very joy. 



