"Oh, this is home," she whispered.
"Darling!" he said and kissed her again.
Then he drew her down on the seat beside the fire.
"Wait," he said. "I am putting my seal on this contract," he said quaintly. He brought out the little white velvet box from his pocket, took out the ring, and slipped it on her finger.
The firelight caught the heart of the jewel, flung out of its many colored facets, and blazed on her pretty finger as if it, too, had found itself at home.
A long time they sat there in the firelight, and not even Tabor came to interrupt. And Eden never did get to the beginning of her own questions, because they had so much to say about themselves and how and when they first came to care for each other. Then when they had finished, they had to begin all over again and tell some things that had been left out.
It was Janet who finally came to the door and interrupted them at last with her inevitable tray. "A wee drap o' tay, t' hearten ye," she said with a knowing smile.
"But this time we don't need heartening, Janet," said Lance with his twinkling smile.
"Oh, see, Janet. Look at my wonderful ring!" said Eden and held out her hand with the sparkling gem.
"Oh, my bairnie, dear!" said Janet and took the little hand in both of hers, laying her face against it for an instant. Then hurriedly she turned, brushing away glad tears, and made for the door.
"Don't--stay oop too late!" she adjured them.
"Oh, but we haven't planned about the wedding yet," said Eden.
"It's to be right away," called Lance joyously.
But Janet hastened out to tell Tabor and the rest.
Afterward, when Lance finally did tear himself away, Eden found her retainers all trooped together to see the wonderful ring and watch her happy face.
"Wull, ye've hed a mony chances," said Janet comically, "boot ye've waited wisely, an' we all approve."
Eden laughed her little trilly ripple.
"Yes, Janet," she said joyously. "I'm sure he's the right man God meant for me."
"Bless ye, my bairnie lamb!"
They all trooped up as if it were a wedding reception, and bowed, and wished her well, then went to their rest.
And Eden, kneeling at her window, looked up to the many stars above and thanked God for answering her mother's prayer.
GRACE LIVINGSTON HILL (1865–1947) is known as the pioneer of Christian romance. Grace wrote over one hundred faith-inspired books during her lifetime. When her first husband died, leaving her with two daughters to raise, writing became a way to make a living, but she always recognized storytelling as a way to share her faith in God. She has touched countless lives through the years and continues to touch lives today. Her books feature moving stories, delightful characters, and love in its purest form.
Also Available from Grace Livingston Hill
Amorelle
April Gold
Ariel Custer
Astra
Beauty for Ashes
Beloved Stranger
Blue Ruin
Brentwood
Bright Arrows
The Challengers
Chance of a Lifetime
Christmas Bride
Coming Through the Rye
Crimson Mountain
Crimson Roses
Duskin
The Flower Brides
GI Brides
A Girl to Come Home To
Gold Shoe
Happiness Hill
Head of the House
Homing
Honor Girl
In Tune with Wedding Bells
Job’s Niece
Kerry
Ladybird
Love Endures
Man of the Dessert
Maris
Matched Pearls
A New Name
Not Under the Law
Out of the Storm
Partners
Patricia
The Prodigal Girl
Rainbow Cottage
Ransom
Re-Creations
Seventh Hour
Sound of the Trumpet
Spice Box
Story of a Whim
Strange Proposal
Street of the City
The Substitute Guest
Sunrise
Tomorrow About This Time
Treasure Brides Collection
Where Two Ways Met
White Flower
White Lady