'Twas on a Saturday,and I walked there o'purpose to read and see for myself;for I'd heard that his name was down.There was a crowd of people round the book,looking for the names of relations;and Ican mind that when they saw me they made way for me--knowing that we'd been just going to be married--and that,as you may say,Ibelonged to him.Well,I reached up my arm,and turned over the farrels of the book,and under the "killed"I read his surname,but instead of "John"they'd printed "James,"and I thought 'twas a mistake,and that it must be he.Who could have guessed there were two nearly of one name in one regiment.''Well--he's coming to finish the wedding of 'ee as may be said;so never mind,my dear.All's well that ends well.'
'That's what he seems to say.But then he has not heard yet about Mr.Miller;and that's what rather terrifies me.Luckily my marriage with him next week was to have been by licence,and not banns,as in John's case;and it was not so well known on that account.Still,Idon't know what to think.'
'Everything seems to come just 'twixt cup and lip with 'ee,don't it now,Miss Paddock.Two weddings broke off--'tis odd!How came you to accept Mr.Miller,my dear?'
'He's been so good and faithful!Not minding about the child at all;for he knew the rights of the story.He's dearly fond o'Johnny,you know--just as if 'twere his own--isn't he,my duck?Do Mr.Miller love you or don't he?'
'Iss!An'I love Mr.Miller,'said the toddler.
'Well,you see,Mrs.Stone,he said he'd make me a comfortable home;and thinking 'twould be a good thing for Johnny,Mr.Miller being so much better off than me,I agreed at last,just as a widow might--which is what I have always felt myself;ever since I saw what Ithought was John's name printed there.I hope John will forgive me!'
'So he will forgive 'ee,since 'twas no manner of wrong to him.He ought to have sent 'ee a line,saying 'twas another man.'
Selina's mother entered.'We've not known of this an hour,Mrs.
Stone,'she said.'The letter was brought up from Lower Mellstock Post-office by one of the school children,only this afternoon.Mr.
Miller was coming here this very night to settle about the wedding doings.Hark!Is that your father?Or is it Mr.Miller already come?'
The footsteps entered the porch;there was a brushing on the mat,and the door of the room sprung back to disclose a rubicund man about thirty years of age,of thriving master-mechanic appearance and obviously comfortable temper.On seeing the child,and before taking any notice whatever of the elders,the comer made a noise like the crowing of a cock and flapped his arms as if they were wings,a method of entry which had the unqualified admiration of Johnny.
'Yes--it is he,'said Selina constrainedly advancing.
'What--were you all talking about me,my dear?'said the genial young man when he had finished his crowing and resumed human manners.'Why what's the matter,'he went on.'You look struck all of a heap.'Mr.Miller spread an aspect of concern over his own face,and drew a chair up to the fire.
'O mother,would you tell Mr.Miller,if he don't know?'
'MISTER Miller!and going to be married in six days!'he interposed.
'Ah--he don't know it yet!'murmured Mrs.Paddock.
'Know what?'
'Well--John Clark--now Sergeant-Major Clark--wasn't shot at Alma after all.'Twas another of almost the same name.''Now that's interesting!There were several cases like that.'
'And he's home again;and he's coming here to-night to see her.'
'Whatever shall I say,that he may not be offended with what I've done?'interposed Selina.
'But why should it matter if he be?'
'O!I must agree to be his wife if he forgives me--of course Imust.'
'Must!But why not say nay,Selina,even if he do forgive 'ee?'
'O no!How can I without being wicked?You were very very kind,Mr.
Miller,to ask me to have you;no other man would have done it after what had happened;and I agreed,even though I did not feel half so warm as I ought.Yet it was entirely owing to my believing him in the grave,as I knew that if he were not he would carry out his promise;and this shows that I was right in trusting him.'
'Yes ...He must be a goodish sort of fellow,'said Mr.Miller,for a moment so impressed with the excellently faithful conduct of the sergeant-major of dragoons that he disregarded its effect upon his own position.He sighed slowly and added,'Well,Selina,'tis for you to say.I love you,and I love the boy;and there's my chimney-corner and sticks o'furniture ready for 'ee both.'
'Yes,I know!But I mustn't hear it any more now,'murmured Selina quickly.'John will be here soon.I hope he'll see how it all was when I tell him.If so be I could have written it to him it would have been better.'
'You think he doesn't know a single word about our having been on the brink o't.But perhaps it's the other way--he's heard of it and that may have brought him.
'Ah--perhaps he has!'she said brightening.'And already forgives me.''If not,speak out straight and fair,and tell him exactly how it fell out.If he's a man he'll see it.''O he's a man true enough.But I really do think I shan't have to tell him at all,since you've put it to me that way!'